NVC Language Patterns & Expression Flashcards

What is the key distinction between an observation and an evaluation in NVC?

Answer: Observations describe specific, verifiable behaviors; evaluations add interpretation or judgment

NVC observations stick to what could be captured by a video camera — specific, verifiable facts — while evaluations layer on personal interpretation, labels, or generalizations.

Which of the following is an NVC observation rather than an evaluation?

Answer: You arrived at 9:15 AM on Monday and Tuesday this week.

Stating the specific times and days is a verifiable fact, whereas the other options include generalizations, judgments, or character assessments.

In NVC, which of the following is a pseudo-feeling — a thought or evaluation masquerading as a feeling?

Answer: I feel that you don't respect my time.

The phrase 'I feel that...' signals a thought or interpretation rather than a genuine feeling; pseudo-feelings typically describe what we think others are doing to us.

Which of the following is a genuine feeling in NVC terms, rather than a faux feeling that implies another's wrongdoing?

Answer: I feel relieved that we reached an agreement.

'Relieved' names an internal emotional state, while 'manipulated,' 'ignored,' and 'unappreciated' embed interpretations about others' intentions or behavior.

Which phrasing best demonstrates a feeling connected to the speaker's own need rather than to another's behavior?

Answer: I feel nervous because tomorrow's presentation is important and I value being well-prepared.

This sentence traces the feeling (nervous) to an internal need (being prepared) rather than attributing the emotion to another person's action.

When Marshall Rosenberg said our feelings are caused by our needs — not by others' actions — he meant:

Answer: Our emotional responses arise from whether our needs are met or unmet, not directly from what others do.

NVC distinguishes between the trigger (what someone does) and the cause (our unmet need), placing emotional responsibility on the person experiencing the feeling rather than on others.

What does Rosenberg mean by 'mixing observations with evaluations' in everyday communication?

Answer: Adding personal judgments, labels, or generalizations to factual descriptions of behavior

Mixing observations with evaluations occurs when we embed interpretations, character labels, or sweeping generalizations into what we describe as facts, which NVC identifies as a primary source of miscommunication.