January 14, 2026

This week, we hosted our first workshop of the year and focused on practicing Nonviolent Communication (NVC) through presence, reflection, and appreciative feedback. Facilitated by Eric Huang, the session invited toastmasters to slow down and notice what was happening internally as they listened to one another. Rather than rushing toward outcomes or future goals, the group was encouraged to stay grounded in the moment, cultivating a sense of peace, openness, and attentiveness that often feels scarce in both professional and personal life.

As members shared their experiences, many noticed a strong sense of resonance. Hearing someone describe stress or uncertainty often triggered vivid memories of similar moments in their own lives, creating an immediate feeling of shared reality. Others reflected on how emotional connection depends on relatability—when they could see themselves in another person’s story, they felt engaged and emotionally present, but when they could not relate, they noticed themselves quietly disengaging. This awareness highlighted how easily we move between connection and disconnection without consciously choosing to do so.

A key theme of the session was the difference between relaying information and expressing feelings and needs. In work environments, communication often prioritizes clarity, efficiency, and solutions, leaving little room for emotional language. The workshop emphasized that naming feelings and needs is not a weakness, but a powerful way to show understanding and build trust. When people feel genuinely heard—especially across hierarchies—connection deepens, and collaboration becomes easier. This approach was framed as equally valuable in leadership, peer relationships, and family dynamics.

The conversation then turned to appreciative feedback and why gratitude, despite good intentions, does not always land. A personal story illustrated how even frequent expressions of thanks can be forgotten or fail to register emotionally if they are not experienced as meaningful by the receiver. This led to the insight that appreciation can be difficult both to express clearly and to receive fully, and that specificity plays a critical role in helping gratitude be felt rather than merely heard.

To support this, participants practiced a structured approach to appreciation that emphasized concrete detail. By naming who was involved, what action took place, when and where it happened, and what impact it had, appreciation became more tangible and memorable. Participants were encouraged to choose real, specific moments—whether something another person had done for them or something they had done for themselves—recognizing that self-appreciation is also an important part of growth and reflection.

By the end of the session, it was clear that these practices extend far beyond the workshop setting. Slowing down, noticing internal responses, and expressing appreciation with clarity can transform workplace interactions, deepen family relationships, and strengthen self-awareness. The workshop reinforced the idea that meaningful connection often begins with simple, intentional language that acknowledges both what happened and why it mattered.