The phrase you’re looking for is “I-statements”.

Quick Scoop

When someone uses words that explain how the speaker feels without judging the receiver , they’re typically using I-statements.

These focus on the speaker’s own emotions and experience rather than blaming, criticizing, or assuming the other person’s intentions.

Example:
Instead of: “You never listen to me; you make me so mad.”
Try: “I feel hurt and ignored when I’m talking and it seems like I’m not being heard.”

What are I‑statements?

I‑statements are sentences that:

  • Start with “I” (I feel, I notice, I need).
  • Describe the speaker’s feeling or experience.
  • Avoid blaming phrases like “You always…” or “You make me…”.
  • Invite conversation instead of defensiveness.

A common simple structure is:

“I feel [emotion] when [situation], and I would like [request/next step].”

Why they don’t judge the receiver

I‑statements work because they:

  • Own the emotion: “I feel sad” instead of “You’re so mean.”
  • Don’t assume intent: They describe impact (“I felt hurt”) instead of motives (“You tried to hurt me”).
  • Use non‑judgmental language, avoiding labels like “good/bad” or “right/wrong.”

This makes it safer for the other person to listen and respond without feeling attacked.

Extra examples of non‑judging feeling words

Here are some neutral, self-focused ways to speak:

  • “I feel overwhelmed when several tasks come in at once.”
  • “I feel disappointed that we didn’t stick to our plan.”
  • “I feel anxious when I don’t get a reply for days.”
  • “I feel sad hearing what you went through.”

All of these stay with the speaker’s inner experience and avoid judging the other person as “bad,” “lazy,” “selfish,” etc.

TL;DR: The communication term for “words that explain how the speaker feels without judging the receiver” is I‑statements.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.