Listen
"Finding out" means learning what the investigator is thinking and feeling
in response to the message.
The first skill in "Finding Out" is listening. This is one of the sections of the Missionary Guide that I
really like--I can't find anything in this section to criticize. The
missionary is taught to not only listen to the words the investigator
says, but also to look for non-verbal clues, to try to read the
investigator's body language, and to restate the investigator's comments
to help the investigator clarify his thoughts and to verify that the
missionary understands where the investigator is coming from.
Ask Appropriate Questions
This is another good section of the Missionary Guide. The
missionary is taught to ask questions in the following situations:
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When prompted by the Spirit.
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When indicated in the right column of the discussions.
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When the investigator seems confused or uncertain.
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Before teaching in order to become acquainted--to learn
about the investigator's family, work, and interests.
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After teaching a principle to find out if the investigator
understands and believes what you have taught.
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Before you teach a discussion or principle to learn about
the investigator's beliefs. (Missionary Guide, pp. 110)
When finding out whether or not the investigator
understands what they are teaching, they are taught not to ask questions
that can be answered with a yes or no. Rather, they should ask for
some sort of an explanation of the doctrine.
They are also taught to avoid questions that manipulate
the investigator to give the answer that the missionary wants to hear.
The questions should show interest in the investigator's thoughts and
feelings, should maintain an equal relationship, and should be simple.
Ask Additional Questions
This section deals with the situations when the investigator seems
hesitant or uncertain about what he is being taught. The missionary
is taught to ask more questions and listen to the answers so that he can
learn what the investigator is thinking. This is supposed to be done
in a way that shows the investigator that the missionary cares about him
or her and doesn't make him or her feel like he or she is being
interrogated.
The "Find Out" chapter of The Missionary Guide is
my favorite chapter. The missionaries are taught to really try to
understand what the investigator is thinking and feeling, and to ask
clear, non-manipulative questions.
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