Sister Pingree and I attended a mission president training seminar a couple of weeks ago. Tracy Watson, Director of Proselyting for the Church, shared some tips on improving our teaching based on extensive in-field observation of missionaries across the world. I would like to share two of these tips with you today.
Brother Watson strongly encouraged missionaries (1) to use the pamphlets when teaching lessons and (2) to keep the message to 15 to 20 minutes. Those who follow this advice experience a 30% investigator dropout rate compared to a 70% drop out rate experienced by missionaries who don't.
Using the pamphlets helps missionaries to present a clear, concise, and powerful message. Moreover, the pamphlet gives the investigator something to reference during the lesson and allows for added study between lessons.
Most investigators also appreciate shorter lessons. Shorter lessons respect people's time and keep the discussion focused on gospel doctrines rather than extended "chit chat." Shorter, doctrinally-focused lessons facilitate the presence of the Spirit. He encouraged us to teach shorter, but more frequent lessons to investigators.
I invite each of us to consider ways to utilize the pamphlets effectively in our teaching and to teach shorter, more frequent lessons to investigators.
Please know how honored we are to serve alongside you in Houston. We love you and respect your righteous desires to serve the Lord.
President Pingree