Conversational Skills Training

Learn how to have impactful conversations with the communities you work with, providing advice and brief interventions on health and wellbeing

Effective communication is at the heart of behaviour change. Our Conversational Skills Training equips public health practitioners and frontline staff with the tools to confidently engage individuals in brief, impactful conversations about their health and wellbeing.

Whether discussing lifestyle choices or addressing concerns, these skills empower staff to support positive, sustainable behaviour change during everyday interactions.

Our training includes a range of evidence-based approaches such as Making Every Contact Count (MECC) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Participants will learn how to deliver brief interventions and guide conversations that inspire action, helping to make each contact a health improvement opportunity.

Explore our specific courses below to find the right fit for your team. From tailored MECC courses to advanced Motivational Interviewing training, we offer bespoke training programmes that align with your organisational needs and strategic goals.

Many thanks to all of you at SMG for developing and delivering such an amazing training package.
Sarah Jewell
Age UK

Our Conversational Skills Training courses

Making Every Contact Count (MECC)

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is a practical tool designed to turn everyday conversations into meaningful discussions about health and wellbeing. Widely accepted across the UK, MECC aims to improve population health by empowering staff and volunteers with the skills to guide individuals towards healthier choices by using brief interventions, sharing key health messages, and signposting individuals to appropriate support services.

Motivational Interviewing

Our Motivational Interviewing course introduces key principles and behaviour change tools to equip frontline staff with the skills to support individuals in addressing unhealthy behaviours. This workforce training successfully improves client outcomes through supporting staff to deliver effective behaviour change interventions.

Conversations About Vaccinations

Using brief intervention and motivational interviewing techniques to effectively communicate with people about vaccinations and immunisations. Participants learn to understand someone’s reasons for not taking a vaccine and how to employ conversational techniques that could motivate them to engage with vaccination programmes.