Apologists need at least these three qualities in order to be effective: (1) content, (2) clarity, and (3) brevity. (1) Obviously the content of your contribution to the conversation must be correct and useful. And to have such content requires a certain background of knowledge. (2) Synonymous with apologetics is the need for good communication and conversational skills. Here the apologist ought to learn how to convey their arguments or whatever the content may be with clarity. (3) Most forgotten is brevity. In my experience, plenty of aspiring apologists have good content and speak with clarity, but they aren’t brief in their message. Oftentimes brevity and succinctness are central to effective apologetics. One way to grow in this skill is through preparing elevator speeches.
In situations where time is not plenteous, it is important for the apologist to take advantage of whatever time is afforded. So how might an apologetic elevator speech go?
For this particular post I thought I’d choose a common question, why does God allow suffering? Here is my > 30 second elevator speech in response to the question:
On the intellectual side, God has several possible good reasons for allowing suffering: (1) it may build character; (2) it helps strengthen our relationship with God; and (3) it maintains our free will. On the emotional side, God didn’t just sit by and watch as we suffer. Instead, he sent his Son to suffer and die for us, and continues to have an active hand in the lives of those who love him, so that we can know him personally and live with him forever.
That’s it! Obviously this topic has a plethora of talking points that we cannot cover in one elevator speech. The point is to pick out the most pertinent and fruitful information. Notice my response is structured, organized, clear, and brief. I also refrain from using complicated or off-putting terminology. Elevator speeches should not usually be utilized when the situation does not require it. If you have the wherewithal, expand the conversation.
Any Christian, whether knowledgeable or not, whether interested in apologetics or not, can memorize an elevator speech like this one to help those they may encounter. If you would like to use my elevator speech on this question, feel free. But I encourage you to make your own response and spend time memorizing it.
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