V. Principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Avoid Arguments

Conversations about behavior change often provoke arguments. But arguments are an ineffective means of communication and lead to even higher levels of defensiveness and resistance to considering new ideas. When arguments occur, people generally raise their voices and stop listening to what others are saying. Staff need to hear what offenders are saying at all times in order to gather accurate information, and then respond according to what has been said. This will prevent arguing on small issues. Arguments can be avoided through many different techniques. The Motivational Interviewing "reflection," repeating or restating what an offender has said, can help reduce the offender's defensiveness. A reflection does not sound like an argument but rather allows the offender to hear what is being said. Showing offenders that staff listen promotes rapport, instead of rancor.

Another skill that helps avoid arguments is the open question. Open questions do not elicit a "yes" or "no" response from offenders. Research had shown that asking multiple closed questions in a row effectively ends communication. Open questions require an offender to talk about an answer in a more detailed way than a simple "yes" or "no," which can lead to less resistance and fewer arguments.