Open-Ended Questions & Affirmations – Unlocking Better Dialogue
Once you decide to lay down the urge to fix things and focus on partnership, the next challenge is structuring your dialogue. How do you use motivational interviewing skills to invite someone to explore change without making them feel put on the spot?
The first two components of OARS—Open-Ended Questions and Affirmations—help set a constructive tone.
Replacing Interrogation with Curiosity
Closed questions that yield simple one word answers can make conversations feel like an audit. They place the practitioner in the driver’s seat and leave the client in a passive role.
Open-ended questions in motivational interviewing lower the pressure. They invite storytelling, promote self-reflection, and signal genuine curiosity.
Looking at the difference between open and closed questions examples helps illustrate the shift:
- Closed (Higher Pressure): “Did you take your medication this week?”
Result: Often prompts a quick “yes” or a defensive excuse. - Open (Lower Pressure): “How has your medication routine been working out for you lately?”
Result: Invites honest reflection on barriers without judgment. - Closed (Higher Pressure): “Are you going to start following your physical therapy home exercise plan?”
Result: Pressures the client into a commitment they might not be ready for. - Open (Lower Pressure): “What are some ideas you have for fitting those physical therapy exercises into your routine?”
Result: Invites the client to think through practical strategies on their own terms.
Affirmations: Recognizing Effort
While open-ended questions explore possibilities, affirmations in motivational interviewing help build confidence.
In MI, an affirmation isn’t generic praise (e.g., “I’m so proud of you!”). Instead, it’s about noticing the client’s actual efforts, strengths, and perseverance (e.g., “You showed real persistence by coming in today despite a chaotic week.”).
Noticing these strengths helps lower a client’s guard and supports their belief in their own capability.
Looking for phrasing ideas?
Download our free OARS cheat sheet for a quick guide to motivational interviewing skills.
To move beyond basic templates and practice live scenario application, explore our Motivational Interviewing training
Initial draft outline and post structure generated with the assistance of Gemini (Google), then reviewed, revised, and expanded by CCMI.