Glyn Conlon of Keystone Interaction Skills is a mediator and assists people in keeping calm during difficult conversations.
I asked Glyn a few questions about Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
What is nonviolent communication?
Nonviolent Communication is :
- A way to connect when its difficult to do so. For example, in conflict or if you have preconceived idea of how the other person/people should be
- A way to break patterns and habits where new super highways are created in the brain to change patterns that no longer serve you.
- An empathy process that heals you and the speaker
- A set of listening skills where you can hear behind the pain when someone is angry and is saying hurtful things. It may seem that their words and anger are directed at you. Instead of hearing the words as personal slurs, you can hear a set of values so you don’t take it personally and you can have an even greater heartfelt connection.
What’s your experience in this field?
My experience spans over 15 years and I am an internationally certified trainer with the Centre for Nonviolent Communication in Albuquerque USA. I have also studied the Mediation application extensively and I am an accredited mediator within the National mediator Accreditation System here in Australia and a Lifeline telephone counsellor.
How does your process with clients work?
There are a number of ways to work with clients, depending on the need. It can be:
- 1 on 1
- Group coaching in an online program
- Free practice groups or supporting conversations between 2 or more people in a safe environment where everything that is important to them is welcomed. This approach uses a party driven set of solutions rather than mediator driven outcomes.
- Restorative circles which is where 1 person decides a conversation needs to happen and they invite a group of people to join a circle where a conflict or event is aired with the assistance of a facilitator who interviews everyone before the circle then facilitates the circle. Very beautiful process developed by an NVC trainer first developed in the Favelas in Brazil.
What’s your top 3 tips for keeping calm in a difficult conversation?
Top 3 tips for keeping calm
- Presence
- Be honest with yourself about your intention
- Seek to understand the speaker before taking a turn speaking yourself
Glyn and Liama will be running a FREE Seminar where you will be introduced to Compassionate Nonviolent Communication combined with gentle Yoga and meditation techniques to help you de-stress and stay calm. Find out more here.
You can find out more about Glyn Conlon at Keystone Interaction Skills
