“Non-Violent Communication” Looks like a Self-Improvement Cult

NVC Guy with PuppetsDerrick recently posted his interactions with the state prosecutors and referenced “Non Violent Communication“, a communication tactic that has surfaced among a fairly large group of liberty activists.

I wouldn’t say that there is not value in “NVC”. People are excited by it for a reason – who doesn’t want to be a better communicator? It’s certainly true that empathizing and being able to understand what someone wants is critical to productive communication. It appears NVC has these goals in mind, which is certainly good. However I encourage people to be cautious, as it has the hallmarks of a self-improvement cult.

I think it’s great that people want to improve their communication skills. However, having been involved in network marketing (which also has similar cult hallmarks) at a much younger age, it’s pretty easy for me to spot this stuff. One look at the NVC website makes it pretty clear that it’s just another self-improvement cult. Browse the seminars, costing as much as hundreds of dollars, and don’t forget to order audio and video (cassettes!) available with quantity discounts.

I like the intentions of NVC, but not how it mixes wants with needs. You need food, water, shelter, and air. Most other things are not needs. They are wants and desires. Because of this, NVC screams “jargon”. Caution is advised. You’d think someone ostensibly focused on language (the NVC creator) would have noticed he was using a term incorrectly.

Besides, who would want to be seen as needy?

Easy suggestions for better communication: Approach others from a point of compassion. Ask questions. Listen. Repeat back what they said to you in your own words, so it’s clear you are paying attention. Spend less time talking than you do listening.

Pick up a copy of “Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion” and “How to Win Friends and Influence People“. You’ll probably get as much out of them for a few bucks, and without the jargon, possible brainwashing, and lowered bank account, you could from many self-improvement cults.

You have been warned.

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Jumping Jacks

So basically you are trading one crappy show for another. Name it what you want but your history has proven failures

Drac Vermell

Jumping Jacks Jacks, I really don’t see how this is any different from your own business model. You make use of different aliases when you’re trolling on YouTube and CopBlock, now don’t you?

Jumping Jacks

Drac Vermell Jumping Jacks You’re usual ridiculous statements have nothing to do with the subject at hand. You must be starved for attention again.

Drac Vermell

Jumping Jacks Drac Vermell Why what’s the matter, Jacks? You’re not embarrassed about this particular parallelism, now are you?
Now since we’re on the subject Jacks, why do you need to use so many aliases? Wouldn’t it be simpler for you to use just one?

BB SIZZLE

So is Drac Vermell an alias or your real name? I’ll keep off the topic on this page seeing you like to Drac. That is your real name right?

Drac Vermell

BB SIZZLE Why Matthew dear, of course Drac Vermell is my real name! Now why on earth would you ever think otherwise? You’re not trying to project your own dishonest impulses onto me, now are you “Michael Nowak?” And who is this Michael Nowak anyway, Matthew? He isn’t a workmate that you wimpishly decided to throw under the bus, now is he? This isn’t a rhetorical question by the way, I’d really like to know. Oh and kitten, before I forget, I trust that your dear wife has been behaving herself lately? I heard that she got herself into a little bit of trouble with Keene’s local authorities not so long ago. Something… Read more »

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