Telling people they should stop smoking or lose weight is a sensitive conversation in itself, but convincing them that it’s also achievable and the best course of action for their health and wellbeing can be even more tricky

Simply telling customers to change their unhealthy ways is often unrewarding and ineffective. The advice can be perceived as a threat, even if the person giving the advice is credible and means well. This is particularly common when discussing personal issues such as stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol or losing weight.

Long-lasting behavioural change is more likely to occur when customers discover their own reasons and determination for change, rather than feeling like they are being forced into it. Motivational interviewing (MI) uses a guiding rather than a directing style of consultation to empower customers so they talk themselves into change.

The following steps will help you achieve an effective motivational interviewing technique: