Or the art of meeting & greeting people
There are three basic fundamental principles that everyone of us needs to know and put into practice in order to be successful when witnessing or conversing with others.
Principle number one is the most fundamental , the most basic principle of all, and each of us has it already within us whether we realize it or not; whether we use it or not. We still possess it within us. We can’t really be successful without using it. A salesperson cannot be successful at sales without it. A pastor or minister or evangelist or teacher or witness cannot get people to listen to them without it.
You know, there is a difference in getting someone to listen to what we have to say as opposed to them simply hearing what we have to say. The old saying is, “That just went in one ear and out the other.” We want what we have to say to register in people’s minds and heart. If we want to show people we possess something better and yet we don’t use this principle, they’re not going to believe us, and maybe not even give us the time of day. Also, this principle I’m talking about is so simple that when I share what it is with you, you may be surprised.
You’ll have trouble making friends or acquaintances if you don’t use this most fundamental, most basic principle of people interaction. And the reason is, we don’t think about it that much. And, if you don’t interact with people properly, you will not be a successful witness to them. You won’t be able to communicate with them properly. You won’t be able to get and keep their attention. This principle or characteristic I’m referring to is a physical rather than an unseen characteristic. Jesus had this principle even though we don’t hear it preached much in our churches. Jesus had a very dynamic, outgoing personality and he had to have this principle and use it or else people wouldn’t probably have given him the time of day; and Jesus wants each of us to use this principle of successful witnessing as well. This principle works successfully in both the natural and Spiritual realm. It works in the Church world as well as the natural world. The secular world as well as the Christian world.
This life principle; this Jesus principle of successful witnessing is so simple that once you hear what it is, you’ll probably say, “Well, why didn’t I think of that?” We’ll never be completely successful witnesses for Jesus without this number one, most fundamental, most basic life principle. Write this down. Memorize it and put it into practice in your everyday dealings with people. This principle is, very simply, SMILE, AND BE FRIENDLY! Smile and be friendly when interacting with others.
Don’t let shyness stop you from being friendly. Don’t let pride stop you from being friendly toward others. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Don’t be too proud to shake a person’s hand and introduce yourself, and show friendliness.
The book of Proverbs tells us, in Prov. 18:24, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.” So, follow that basic number one fundamental principle of successful people interaction and witnessing to others. SMILE AND BE FRIENDLY!
Principle number two is just as important as principle number one and that is, “God gave us two ears and one mouth. He expects us to do twice as much listening as talking!” . Be considerate of the other person when witnessing or conversing with them. To keep their attention, we need to sympathize with the other person’s needs or problems. Pay attention to them when they’re talking to you. Don’t look away, act impatient, or glance around continuously. Use direct eye contact. Use the other person’s name often in conversation. A person’s name is to them the most important sound they could hear. Maintain politeness, patience, and persistence to establish yourself as a successful positive influence and witness. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN to what the other person has to say then follow through with what you have to share.
To really be pleasing to God, we need to put the needs of others before our own needs. Jesus gave us that example. We should follow it. Wouldn’t you agree? LISTEN.
Principle number three. It is just as fundamental, basic and important as the other two principles. And, here it is. “You only get one chance to make a good first impression!” Remember this. You can’t go back and meet a person AGAIN for the first time. If you blow it, If you turn somebody off, you’ll likely never get their complete confidence again.
Psalms 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity.” To have true unity, you must make a good first impression.
So, if you follow the Jesus principle for successful witnessing, you will experience the true success you may be searching for in dealing with others both out in the world as well as the family of God.
Make the other person, the one you are conversing with, the person you are witnessing to, feel important and they will respect you and listen to you more. Then, you can tell them about Jesus and what He can do for them. They’ll love you for it. If they don’t, it’s not your fault, but their own choice to decide to accept or reject him.
Our goal should be to make a good, positive and lasting first impression on people so that we can be a good, positive and lasting witness to people and win their confidence.
Then, we can hear him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I’ll make you ruler over many.”
© 2020 Don Woolett/Secure-Family.net P.O. Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky 42748 (270) 723-5184
[Condensed Version]
Additional qualities for influencing others in a positive way:
1. Have confidence and ease, which in turn makes others feel at ease with you. When you have confidence in yourself, others will have confidence in you!
2. Carry authority and conviction in your voice. Not only speak using proper grammar but speak in such a way people can sense the authority of what you are saying.
3. Establish trust and credibility, verbally and nonverbally. Non-verbal actions compliment what is spoken. Be consistent in what you say and do. Always dress neatly and appropriately.
4. Show empathy and concern. Sympathize with the other person’s needs or problems.
5. Look at and pay attention when someone is talking to you. Don’t look away, act impatient, or glance around continuously. Use direct eye contact.
6. Maintain an upbeat, relaxed and confident attitude in every communicating situation. Develop good posture. Don’t be tense or up tight. Positively believe in what you are doing.
7. Maintain politeness, patience, and persistence to establish yourself as a successful positive influence!