Communication using Non-violent Communication skills is a healthy and satisfying means for sharing thoughts and feelings both on the part of the speaker and the listener.  Marshall Rosenburg, in his book Non-Violent Communication outlines a specific strategy to use when encountering challenging conversations.  The acronym for the protocol is O, N, F, R.  The first step is to make an OBSERVATION of the issue at hand without judgement.  I difficult task indeed.  The second step is to identify the need related to the issue.  Thirdly, state the underlying feelings and fourth, make a request of the person you are speaking to,

I find this approach to conversations a productive and sensitive way to actively listener, expressive empathy and perspective taking and to ensure ourselves that we ar bing heard as well.  People are likely to perspective take as well when they believe they are being herd and understood.  In my clinical practice, I role play the different points of view of the of the situation causing disturbance.  When we are able to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” feelings of appreciation for the other person’s feelings become clear.  I suggest trying out the approach with a close friend and/or partner to help move the approach from” just one more strategy” to “a way of being.”  If you have time and are interested, I invite you to visit Marshall Rosenbergs podcast on Non-Violent Communication.

Please feel free to add a comment in the Comments Section.