Good communication is vital in all health settings. If nurses are to support lifestyle and behaviour change, we need additional ways of communicating. Evidence shows coaching and guiding is more effective than traditional directive methods at supporting behaviour change.

This article will provide a simple overview of motivational interviewing as a style of communication that makes changes in behaviour more likely. It lays out the fundamental skills involved, hoping to stimulate the reader to go on and explore this approach in more detail. The intention is to offer a chance to understand the results of this approach to communication and appreciate why a nurse would want to develop these skills.