A Guide to Comfortable and Effective Personal Witnessing

WHAT MAKES WITNESSING PERSUASIVE?

The attitude of the witness is crucial

If we obviously value Christ highly and feel privileged to tell about Him, this invites attention.  Once John was in a showroom full of new cars.  He was looking at one with interest when a salesman approached him.  John had already explained that he was not in the market for a new car and he accepted that.  But he walked up to the one John was looking at, actually caressed it lovingly, and said, “Isn’t it beautiful!”  That’s all he said, and he was sincere.  John did not buy that car, but shortly afterward he returned and purchased another.  That salesman and his manner not only created confidence, but also left a lasting impression on John.  He did get his attention.  He made John realize that we can do something like this when we share Christ with others.  By our attitude toward Him, as well as our words, we can say, “Isn’t he wonderful!”

A message that is clear, interesting, and expressed in a natural way encourages attentive consideration

Perhaps most important, if what we say addresses their questions and felt needs, they will want to listen.  In order to do that, we have to find out what they are.  An essential aspect of effective communication is knowing something about the person to whom we are witnessing.