|
Personal Work
2. Have a genuine love for and appreciation of people. You will never be successful In any kind of visitation, organized or un-organized without this. This includes especially, appreciation of the value of their souls. 3. Be cheerful Do not grouch and complain. It doesn't matter If your rheumatism is acting up, smile and be pleasant. If you do they may enjoy your visit and want you to come back. 4. Adjust to the situation. Sometimes informality both in the dress and conversation is appropriate. At other times not so appropriate. Don't make the person you are visiting feel uncomfortable by being stiff and starchy and putting on sanctimonious expressions. 5. Do not dominate the conversation. Let the other person lead the conversation. You are not trying to feed your ego. Be interested, at least for the duration of the visit, in his job, his children, his hobbies, and his car, etc. 6. Do not get personal with your questions. It doesn't really matter how much the rug in the dining room cost, or how much he weighs, or how old she is. Questions of a personal nature are off limits. 7. Be alert for additional information about the family that might aid in any future visits. 8. Be enthusiastic when speaking of the work of the church. 9. Avoid criticism, gossip, and arguments like a plague. Such can usually accomplish nothing but alienation of the one you are trying to influence. 10. Gain some point of mutual contact such as sports, jobs, hobbies, etc. This will be a great point in your favor. Not only will it interest the one you are visiting, but you can make more interesting conversation regarding things you are acquainted with. 11. Leave before the conversation lags and the people wish you would. Much better to make a visit too short than too long. If they say, "I wish you wouldn't go' that means you are likely leaving at the right time. Stay five minutes more and they may be wishing you had left. 12. Do not become impatient and easily discouraged.
|