Elicit change talk by asking for elaboration
When a client expresses any desire, ability, reason, or need to change, asking them to "tell you more" amplifies that motivation.
Why this matters
In motivational interviewing, "change talk" is any statement by the client that favours movement towards change: "I'd love to feel fitter", "I know I should eat better", "My doctor told me I need to lose weight". These moments are gold. But many coaches let them slip past without mining them.
Elaboration — asking the client to expand on what they just said — naturally increases the client's motivation by having them articulate it in their own voice. We believe what we hear ourselves say.
In practice
Client: "I do want to get fitter — I'm going to my son's wedding next year." Coach (missing it): "Great — so let's set a fitness goal." Coach (elaborating): "What would being fitter for that day mean for you?" Client: "I want to dance without feeling out of breath. I want him to be proud of me." That answer is intrinsic motivation the coach can refer back to for months.
Source: Rollnick, S., Miller, W.R. & Butler, C.C. (2008). Motivational Interviewing in Health Care. Guilford Press.
Try it today
Make a list of five change-talk phrases you've heard from clients recently. For each one, write what you could have said to invite elaboration (e.g., "What makes that important to you?" or "Tell me more about that.").
Make it a habit
Keep a "change talk journal" for one week — when a client says anything positive about change, mark it with a star and note how you responded. Review at the end of the week.
Ready to put this into practice?
Sticky Coach helps you track client habits and conversations — so nothing falls through the cracks.
More tips
Roll with resistance instead of pushing harder
When clients push back, arguing back makes it worse — stepping back and acknowledging their perspective keeps the door open for change.
Read tip →Use open questions to unlock client insight
Replacing closed yes/no questions with open questions invites clients to explore their own thinking, uncovering goals, barriers, and readiness for change.
Read tip →Reflect back to show you're really listening
Reflecting what a client says — in your own words — demonstrates genuine understanding and encourages deeper exploration.
Read tip →