
Are we at the beginning of a new era of appreciative communication?
This is the question that Jutta Müller (editor at ZDF) is asking at the end of her video reportage for the magazine space “moma fufture in the famous German broadcast ZDF.
In today’s dynamic professional landscape, effective communication has become more critical than ever. Yet, one vital component often overlooked is empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Whether you’re a healthcare professional delivering difficult news, an HR manager resolving conflicts, or a social worker guiding individuals through challenging situations, empathy is the bridge that connects intention with impact.
But how do we cultivate empathy, a skill often considered innate, in professional environments? As I mentioned at the beginning, this question has been explored recently in a short ZDF video reportage under the section moma future, shining a spotlight on how immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and AI-powered simulations are helping professionals build and strengthen their empathic communication abilities.
Empathy: A Cornerstone of Professional Success
Across industries, empathy has proven to be a key driver of success. In healthcare, it fosters patient trust and improves outcomes. In customer service, it strengthens client relationships. For leaders and managers, it boosts team morale and inspires a positive workplace culture. Despite its importance, developing empathy often requires stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, engaging in self-reflection, and practicing active listening—skills that are not always intuitive or easily taught in traditional settings.
This is where AI and immersive VR training simulations are starting to disrupt traditional methods. By creating safe, controlled environments for practice, professionals can repeatedly engage in challenging conversations with virtual characters that mirror real-life complexity.
ASH with VR and AI are pioneering empathy training
In an inspiring ZDF video, journalist Jutta Müller explored how the Alice Salomon University (ASH) in Berlin is integrating CommuniKit, a VR training app developed by VR4content, into its curriculum for social work students. The goal? To prepare students for the emotionally charged and often high-stakes conversations they will encounter in their field.

Silke Ababneh, CEO of VR4content, discusses the innovative AI-driven VR training solutions of mpthy by CommuniKit in an interview featured on ZDF.
Professor Julia Rehn of ASH highlighted the profound impact of this innovative approach:
“We have situations here in debt counselling, in addiction counselling and it’s about being able to advise people adequately who are also at crossroads and existential abysses.”
Through detailed role-play scenarios, students immerse themselves in conversations with virtual characters facing crises such as financial distress, health concerns, or personal loss. The characters respond dynamically to their input, powered by AI, creating a lifelike and engaging experience.
ZDF reporter Jutta Müller participated in the training, interacting with a virtual character expressing concerns about high rental costs and financial instability. What sets this approach apart is the real-time adaptive conversation flow and the constructive feedback session that follows.
The potential applications of this technology extend far beyond social work. As VR4content CEO Silke Ababneh points out, In areas such as healthcare or law enforcement, there are often delicate conversations where quick-wittedness, compassion, and the ability to steer a discussion towards positivity are crucial.
One of the most compelling insights from the reportage is the idea that empathy, much like a muscle, can be developed and strengthened through consistent practice. According to Silke Ababneh:
“Empathy is a muscle that improves with repetition. Everyone can learn to make society a little fitter for interpersonal communication.”
By leveraging AI and VR, professionals are now offered a unique opportunity to flex this vital muscle, gaining the confidence and skills they need to navigate challenging interpersonal dynamics.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Communication
As noted by Jutta Müller in her closing remarks, the integration of AI and empathy professional training marks the beginning of a transformative era in communication. Tools like CommuniKit are not just equipping professionals with better conversational strategies—they are fostering a movement towards appreciative, human-centered communication as a cornerstone of modern work culture.
Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Julia Rehn, Jutta Müller, and the ZDF team for their thoughtful reportage on this groundbreaking initiative. By showcasing the intersection of empathy, technology, and education, they have brought much-needed attention to the importance of training for compassionate communication in the professional world.
Closing Thoughts
Empathy is no longer just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s a critical competency for building trust, resolving conflicts, and leading with authenticity. With advancements in AI and VR, training solutions like CommuniKit are here to support professionals as they navigate the complexities of human interaction.
Let’s make empathy the foundation of every professional environment. After all, the more we understand and connect with one another, the stronger our teams, organizations, and communities become.
For more information on how your organization can leverage go to contact section https://communikit.io/contact/
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