Two things distinguish nonviolent actions from violent actions. First, you don't see an enemy and second, your intention is not to make the other side suffer.

In NVC, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests.

Tragically, one of the rarest commodities in our culture is empathy. People are hungry for empathy, They don't know how to ask for it.

I'm going to show you a technology today which takes insults and criticisms out of the airwaves. (Marshall puts on giraffe ears) With this technology, it will be impossible for you to hear criticisms, harsh remarks, or insults. All you can hear is what all people are ever saying, "please" and "thank you". What used to sound like criticism, judgment, or blame, you will see, are really tragic, suicidal expressions of "please".

The first step in healing is to put the focus on what's alive now, not what happened in the past.

The more we empathize with the other party, the safer we feel.

You'll find people less threatening if you hear what they're needing rather than what they're thinking about you.