In Motivational Interviewing, which element is central to evoking change?

• A. Direct advice
• B. Eliciting change talk from the client
• C. Confronting ambivalence
• D. Lecturing about consequences

Answer: (B)

Eliciting change talk from the client is central in Motivational Interviewing. This approach centers the person's own motivations—desires, abilities, reasons, needs, and commitment to change—and uses it to build intrinsic motivation for action. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, the clinician guides the client to articulate why change matters and how they might make it happen, which strengthens readiness and likelihood of follow-through. When clients voice their own arguments for change, ambivalence shifts toward commitment; they become more engaged and autonomous in the process. In contrast, giving direct advice, confronting ambivalence, or lecturing tends to trigger resistance and undermines the collaborative, nonjudgmental stance MI strives to maintain.