Taking the War Out of Our Words
An Introductory Evening with Sharon Ellison

"Defensiveness builds walls, causing frustration, polarization,
and power struggle in our families, schools and communities."

Sharon Ellison, M.S. is an award-winning speaker, international consultant, author, and a nominee for the "Leadership in a Changing World Award."She has provided cutting-edge training for families, educators, and social service professionals for over 40 years.

"I believe this process is more powerful and effective than any other communication technique that I have seen." --- Maureen Tighe, U.S. Dept. of Justice

Whether fighting back, withdrawing emotionally, or giving in, most of us become instantly defensive when someone "pushes our buttons." We can then get into power struggles, causing needless pain, even with those we love most.

In this Introductory Evening you will see how to express yourself with a blend of honesty and vulnerability that has remarkable power. Using this method, you can maintain strength, regardless of how others respond.

This process can be so disarming that others instantly drop their own defenses. And thus, you can enhance the odds that they will listen to you with openness and responsiveness. At home and at work, you can build respectful relationships.

In this Introductory Evening, you will:

• Identify 6 common (passive & aggressive) defensive modes
• Learn about ways to communicate non-defensively, including:
• Asking disarming questions that open up genuine communication
• Giving feedback to others without sounding judgmental
• Making statements that have clarity and power without trying to defend yourself or convince others to listen
• Giving predictions that create respect and reciprocity

  "The kind of communication skills you are teaching should be started at the cradle for our new ones and shouted from the roof tops for those of us stuck in our patterns of defensiveness."
  Annie Kane

In addition to this Introductory Evening, Sharon Ellison will also offer two day-long workshops:

Powerful Non-Defensive Parenting - Saturday, September 25
Powerful Non-Defensive Social Change - Sunday, September 26