The Importance of Visual Contact in the Ministry
Suggestions for the Field Ministry. When you share in the field ministry, be friendly and warm as you approach people. Where appropriate, use thought-provoking questions to start a conversation on something that may be of mutual interest. As you do this, endeavor to establish eye contact—or at least to look the person in the face in a respectful and kindly way. A warm smile on the face of one whose eyes convey inner joy is very appealing. Such an expression may tell the individual much about what sort of person you are and help him to feel more relaxed as you converse.
Observing the expression in the person’s eyes, where appropriate, may give you indications as to how to deal with a situation. If the person is angry or if he is really not interested, you may be able to see it. If he does not understand you, you may realize that. If he is getting impatient, you will usually be able to tell. If he is keenly interested, this too will be evident. The expression in his eyes may alert you to the need to adjust your pace, to make added effort to involve him in the conversation, to terminate the discussion or, possibly, to follow through with a demonstration of how to study the Bible.
Whether you are engaging in public witnessing or conducting a home Bible study, endeavor to maintain respectful eye contact with the one with whom you are speaking. Do not stare at him, however, as that can be embarrassing. (2 Ki. 8:11) But in a natural, friendly manner, frequently look the other person in the face. In many lands, this conveys a feeling of sincere interest. Of course, when you are reading from the Bible or some other publication, your eyes will be focused on the printed page. But to emphasize a point, you may want to look directly at the person, though doing so briefly. If you look up at intervals, this will also enable you to observe his reaction to what is being read.
If shyness makes visual contact difficult for you at first, do not give up. With practice, appropriate visual contact will become natural, and it may add to your effectiveness in communicating with others.