Koukl provides several other "maneuvers" to handle different conversational dynamics:
: Identify self-refuting statements. For example, if someone says "There is no truth," you can ask if that statement itself is true .
: For aggressive challengers who constantly interrupt, Koukl recommends politely but firmly asking for the floor, and if that fails, disengaging entirely .
In his book , Gregory Koukl shifts the focus of evangelism from winning arguments to a "gardening" approach—planting "seeds" or "putting a stone in someone's shoe" to get them thinking . The core strategy, known as the Ambassador Model , emphasizes three pillars: knowledge, wisdom, and character . The Game Plan: The Columbo Tactic
: Ask "What do you mean by that?" This forces the other person to clarify their position, prevents you from making assumptions, and buys you time to think .
: Ask "How did you come to that conclusion?" This ensures the person making the claim is responsible for supporting it with evidence, rather than you having to disprove a baseless assertion .
The most vital technique in the book is the , named after the bumbling TV detective who used unassuming questions to uncover the truth . It follows a three-step process:
