Sometimes emotions can get the better of us when we’re trying to communicate.

You want to be clear and honest - but how can you get your point across without losing it or offending the person across the table?

Here’s a few non-violent communication (NVC) techniques that might come in handy next time you’re having a “difficult” conversation

1.

Take a neutral stance. how is your judgment influencing your understanding of the situation?

2.

Actively seek to understand the needs of the person you're interacting with.

3.

See expressed emotions as indicators of unmet needs.

4.

Differentiate a request from a demand by voicing your feelings and needs.

5.

Be mindful of the intention behind your actions and the actions of others.

6.

Role-play a conversation with empathetic and non-empathetic responses. how does each one feel to give and receive?