Poetic License (NVC)

Poetic License is a fun group exercise that’s sure to incite laughter in your NVC group! (This game originated from Doug Dolstad)
Instructions:
- In a group circle, everyone has a piece of notebook paper.
- Everyone writes an OBSERVATION phrase across the top of the page (“When I see/hear _______”); and folds the paper over so that what they have written is hidden.
- Each person passes their paper to the person on their right.
- Then, everyone writes “I feel _____’ (with 2-3 feeling words); and makes another fold to cover what they have just written.
- Each person passes their paper to the person on their right.
- Everyone writes “and what’s important to me is ________” (or “and I need/value ______”); and makes another fold to cover what they have just written.
- Each person passes their paper to the right again.
- Everyone writes, “and my request is _______.” They fold the paper to cover this writing, and pass it to their right.
- Now everyone unfolds their paper, and each person volunteers to read their Giraffe Poem. Great for comic relief!
Variation: In this variation, all the OFNR relate to each other.
- Start with each person having a piece of paper, they write an OBSERVATION at the top. Pass to the right (without folding down the page).
- Now each person can see the OBSERVATION that has been written, and adds their FEELING that is connected to the Observation, passes to the right.
- Then each person writes a couple of NEEDS and passes to their right again.
- Next, each person writes a REQUEST.
- Pass again after the REQUEST and each person then reads out loud the whole page they receive.
This game and 149 other fun NVC related exercises are available in the GROK Facilitation Manual along with other fun learning tools from GROK, Inc.