Sustain Talk vs. Change Talk
So, let’s be real! Coaching clients are seeking services, more often than not, considering and wanting change. Change that might be personal, professional or both. Life Coaching Institute of America (LCIA) considers both to be part of such considerations and conversations.
The anatomy of change. Here we go! Again, simple and yet so very complex. A coach well trained in MI will be cognizant of listening well. Listening to where the client currently is, sustain talk, and what the client desires, change talk. This requires the coach to listen well with their thought/brain volume turned down.
It is essential that coaches understand sustain talk which is reflective of where the client is currently at. Be reflective. Listen. Allow for the potential discomfort of the client as they explore where they don’t want to be. In addition, it is essential that the coach listens for the client’s change talk. MI provides an acronym for change talk; DARN CAT. Lets take a look at the DARN preparatory part of change talk!
Preparatory Change Talk:
D = Desire – Intrinsic motivation for change – “I want to…” “I would like to…” “I wish…”
A = Ability – Confidence/capability – “I could…” “I can…” I might be able to…”
R = Reason – Benefits of change/rationale – “I might feel better…” “I don’t want to remain here…”
N = Need – Necessity/urgency – “I ought to…” I have to…” I need to…”
Be reflective. Listen. Allow for the client’s ambivalence. Ambivalence is a necessary process in the anatomy of change and is normal. Ambiliance is the toggle between sustain talk and change talk. Effective coaching provides the client the opportunity to begin building their bridge from sustain talk to change talk. Their bridge from sustain talk to implementing their focus of change.
Remain focused on your client. Demonstrate curiosity during the coaching process, be comfortable in working in a space of not knowing and create space for silence, pause and reflection. One of the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Core Competencies – Maintaining Presence!
Are you ready to begin your journey of becoming a Life Coach?
