Say What You Mean (Without Starting a Fight)

How to use Nonviolent Communication for calmer, more confident holiday conversations.

Tired of tiptoeing around family or coworkers during the holidays? This episode will get you ready for those holiday conversations that sometimes go sideways. I’m talking about the moments when you want to stay kind, but you also want to remain honest.

We’ll dive into Nonviolent Communication, or NVC, and how it can help you speak clearly and compassionately.  You’ll learn the simple OFNR framework (Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests) and hear real examples that make this framework come alive.

I’ll also share how each Enneagram type might get tripped up along the way when it comes to using the NVC framework.

If you’ve ever wished for calmer, more authentic conversations—especially around the holidays—this one’s for you.

My Communicate with Confidence Through the Lens of the Enneagram group coaching program opens again in spring 2026, and this episode gives you a preview of one of the key tools we use inside the program. Learn more about this program here:

https://www.swansoncoaching.com/bettercommunication

Keywords: communication skills, NVC, Nonviolent Communication, Enneagram, emotional intelligence, confidence, relationships, coaching, conflict resolution, holidays