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I don't think I've ever formally studied exactly what it is... but I feel like I use this technique somewhat naturally. I'll couch things in terms where I'm stating what I think, but in a non-offensive way where I'm just conveying information.

I find a lot of phrases like "I'm not convinced that..." soften things in just the right way that people get a lot less defensive or aggressive.

It does take some practice, and best not to overuse it. The book 'Words That Work In Business" by Ike Lasater is a very good guide to NVC in the business world.

That's my problem with active listening. I can't do it without it sounding ridiculous.

"My god, someone shut down the production server!"

"That sounds very upsetting. You must be quite angry."

"Are you making fun of me?"