Class 2 Description: A basic introductory course, Compassionate Communication is communicating in ways that foster understanding, connection, and compassion. It is not just a set of approaches, but an awareness designed to develop a certain kind of compassionate rapport with ourselves and each other. Approaches include translating judgments into observations, emphasizing needs instead of strategies, replacing thoughts with feelings, and changing demands into requests. Empathy, self-empathy, and authentic self-expression are emphasized. Opportunities to practice through group activities are part of the class.