This article will be of interest to school nurses, health visitors, student health visitors and their practice teachers. An opportunity is taken to explore the concept of motivational interviewing for community practitioners, to demystify the technique. Guided by Walker and Avant's framework for concept analysis, the article explores if practitioners are already using a motivational interviewing approach, how this way of working can be effective and how to develop this useful communication skill to evoke and strengthen personal motivation for change. Key terms such as 'agenda matching' and 'change talk' are applied to case scenarios to add meaning to the exploration. Details of further resources are also provided.