RESOURCES

MAKING CONVERSATION

Asking questions is a great way to create conversation, but first you will need to establish who you are and why you are there. Be ready to a give a brief explanation of yourself in order to establish some initial rapport. Smile. Be open. Above all, be interested in the other person. Genuine interest is not a technique, but rather a predisposition for building relationships. Once people realize that you are willing to be known as well as eager to know them, they will be more willing to talk about themselves. Here are some questions for you to consider asking:

• Our team would like to know how we can better pray for Jeff St. How can we pray for you?

• We want to learn how to better serve this community. What advice would you give to us?

• We are trying to better understand the needs of this community so that we might respond in a

meaningful way. How would you describe the needs?

• What is the best thing that you have seen happen in this community that you think has really made a

positive difference? What other things would you suggest?

• If you were in charge of educating the church about how to serve the homeless community, what are

some of the things that you would want us to understand? To do?

• We want to better understand the history of the JSBC community. How long have you lived here? Can

you tell us how you have seen it change over the years?

When you do ask questions, start out by keeping to safe, neutral ground that will not intimidate anyone. Avoid questions which require a “yes” or “no” answer. Be sure to add comments or insights of your own from time to time. Too many questions and not enough contributions on your part will leave people feeling suspicious or even used, and they may not recognize those feelings until after you are gone. Finally, be sensitive for clues that someone doesn’t want to talk with you any longer.

Always end conversations by trying to create the opportunity for another conversation. Ask if you can drop by again, and be specific about why you want to return (i.e. “I’ll be praying about your sister’s operation. Can I come by next week and see how it went?”). Be careful not to promise anything that you are not sure you can follow through on.

Later, write down everything you can remember from the conversation. Write down specific things you remember about each person that you meet (i.e. they love the Eagles, or they hate Star Trek) so you can bring it up in future conversations. People appreciate it when you care enough to remember what they say. More than that, people appreciate it when they know you care about what they say (this goes for your fellow volunteers too!). Work on it.

CONTACT

Jefferson Street Baptist Center

733 East Jefferson Street

Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502.584.6543

Email: info@jeffersonstreet.org

Fax: 502.584.4377

MAIN OFFICE HOURS

7am - 3pm   Monday - Friday

DAY SHELTER HOURS

7am - 1pm   Monday - Thursday

7am - 12pm   Friday - Sunday