How do you communicate to increase motivation?

Motivational interviewing is presented as a patient-centered communication method that aims to strengthen motivation for change by drawing out the patient’s own reasons, goals, and plans. The main idea is to shift from being an expert who gives advice and tries to fix problems to being a guide who supports patients in finding solutions that matter to them. Key principles include acceptance, compassion, and collaboration, along with the importance of avoiding excessive directing or persuading, which can lead to resistance. The transcript explains that motivation is more likely to grow when patients express their own desire and confidence for change rather than simply receiving instructions. Learners are introduced to four core processes: engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. It also covers four practical communication skills: asking open questions, using reflections, offering affirmations, and summarizing. Examples show how these tools help patients talk more openly, feel understood, recognize their strengths, and move toward realistic action plans when they are ready. Research evidence is also highlighted, showing that motivational interviewing often performs better than traditional advice-giving across many health behaviors.