Four part model

The four part model of Nonviolent Communication is sometimes referred to as "OFNR" because the four components are called Observation, Feeling, Need and Request.

Observation

The Observation(s) of concrete facts of a situation, free of judgment, guilt, blame or shame.

Feeling

The Feeling(s) stimulated by the observation

Need

The Need(s), life energy, that caused the feeling

Request

A specific Request that is positive, concrete and can be done right now to serve the Need(s) discovered. An NVC Request can often easily be distinguished from a demand by what comes up if the answer is "No."

Other principles

In NVC expression all four parts are used. When verbalizing empathy, often only the first three or even just the feeling and need are spoken.

There is an out, in, out pattern to the model - the observation is something concrete and specific out in the world, the feeling and need help you go as deep as possible with what's alive in you and/or others, and the request is about manifesting as specifically as possible out in the world again.

There may be similarity between OFNR and "Active Listening" at first glance. However, the OFNR approach of NVC might be considered Reframing of language rather than "Paraphrasing." This is because NVC translates thoughts, judgements and some linguistic elements of dialog into Feelings and Needs. NVC also includes the Observation which helps to distinguish facts from interpretations of them, and the Request which tends to move the dialog closer to discovering and sharing appreciation of the Needs underlying all human feelings and behavior.

(this could obviously use a lot of expanding)