Universal Human Needs
Fill in the Blank: According to NVC, all human actions are attempts to meet our _____________.
needs
Fill in the Blank: According to NVC, feelings can be categorized into two main types: feelings of ________ and feelings of _________.
feelings of connection and feelings of disconnection
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes a key difference between a request and a demand in NVC?
B) A request invites collaboration, whereas a demand seeks compliance.
An ____________ is a fact learned directly through the 5 senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch).
observation
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best defines empathy in NVC?
B) Understanding and acknowledging another person's feelings and needs without judgment
True or False: Universal human needs can be fully satisfied through external achievements and material possessions.
C) Competition
Multiple Choice: Which of the following statements best captures the essence of feelings in NVC?
C) Feelings arise from our own needs being met or unmet.
True or False: When a person makes a demand, they are more likely to create a defensive reaction in others compared to when they make a request.
true
True or False: "I noticed that you arrived late to the meeting" is an example of an observation.
True
Fill in the Blank: In NVC, empathy is primarily about __________, while sympathy often involves __________.
connection; pity
Multiple Choice: Which of the following pairs correctly aligns a universal human need with its potential root cause?
A) Connection - Feeling isolated
True or False: In NVC, it is encouraged to express feelings in a way that places blame on others to promote accountability.
False
In NVC, a __________ is an expression of a desire for a specific action, made without attachment to the outcome, while a __________ is an insistence that often carries an ultimatum or threat.
request; demand
Fill in the Blank: An evaluation often includes _______________ about someone’s character or intentions.
judgments, interpretations, or assumptions
Discuss the importance of self-empathy in the practice of NVC. How can understanding your own feelings and needs enhance your ability to empathize with others?
Increased Awareness: By practicing self-empathy, individuals become more attuned to their own emotions and needs. This heightened awareness allows them to identify when they are feeling triggered or overwhelmed, enabling them to respond rather than react in challenging situations.
Modeling Empathy: When individuals engage in self-empathy, they model empathetic behavior for others. This creates a safe environment that encourages open communication and vulnerability, making it easier for others to
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT considered a universal human need according to NVC?
C) Competition
Short Answer: Explain the difference between "I feel sad" and "I feel ignored" in the context of NVC. What implications does this distinction have for communication?
I feel sad expresses a feeling while I feel ignored is an evaluation. One can cause the other person to become defensive (disconnected communication) while the other can lead to compassion communication (connecting communication).
Match the following phrases with their corresponding type (Request or Demand):
A - Request, B - Demand, C - Request, D - Demand
Matching: Match the following statements with their correct classification (Observation or Evaluation):
Identify the Empathy Gap: Review this statement: "You shouldn’t feel that way; it’s not a big deal."
Consider the statement: "I feel frustrated when my requests are ignored, especially after I've made them multiple times."
Identify the underlying universal need being expressed.
The underlying need being expressed is: the need for acknowledgment or responsiveness.
Matching: Match the following feelings with their corresponding needs:
A - 4, B - 2, C - 1, D - 3
Identify and Reframe: Consider the statement: "You should clean up this mess now."
a) The implicit demand is the expectation that the other person must clean up immediately.
b) A reframed request could be: "Would you be willing to help clean up this mess when you have a moment? I would really appreciate your support."
Rephrase the following from an evaluation to an observation:
"Hank is a terrible soccer player"
"Hank has not scored a goal in twenty games."
Short Answer: Explain the role of empathy in de-escalating conflicts. Provide an example of how empathy can transform a difficult conversation.
Empathy plays a vital role in de-escalating conflicts by fostering understanding and connection between parties. When individuals feel heard and understood, they are more likely to lower their defenses and engage in constructive dialogue. By acknowledging and validating the feelings and needs of others, empathy creates a safe space for open communication, allowing for the exploration of solutions rather than deepening the conflict.
For example, consider a situation where two coworkers are in a heated disagreement over project responsibilities. One coworker expresses frustration, stating, "I feel like you never listen to my ideas!" Instead of responding defensively, the other coworker could practice empathy by saying, "I hear that you're feeling frustrated and that your ideas are important to you. Can we take a moment to discuss your thoughts on this project?"