Writing and Presenting a Personal Testimony: The Elevator Speech



What's your elevator speech?



Our Bible Study teacher (my coach and mentor) had challenged us to write our elevator speech. I told her about the elevator speech I had practiced to eloquently 'sell my abilities and skills' as the 'perfect' candidate for an open position at work. I performed my elevator speech' to several key people, and I got the job. 

What’s an elevator speech, anyway?  An elevator speech is a short description of the point you want to make, presented in the time it takes an elevator to go from the top floor to the first floor or vice versa. It is a prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot in a few words. You are going to tell your core message  in a way that rather than putting people off you will make them want to know more about you and your message.

For this particular blog posting, I put together an outline/guide to help you write your elevator speech. Your elevator speech is the speech that you are going to memorize. Make it a part of you that it will become second nature to you – that you would smoothly and without hesitation tell someone your elevator speech.

I.      WHY ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO TESTIFY?

A.   In 1 Peter 3:15, the Apostle Paul instructs us to always be ready “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

B.  Your personal testimony is one of the most effective means you have for making such a defense of your faith in Jesus Christ.  Sharing your story on how you came to put your faith in Christ and the difference that decision has made in your life – it’s mobile, flexible, and convenient.

C.  There are numerous examples of individuals sharing their testimony throughout the New Testament. Who is giving the following testimonies and who is listening to them?

1. John 4:39-42

2. John 9:24-34

3. Galatians 1:1-13
4. Acts 21:40

5. Acts 24:10-16

D.  What are some situations where you might be able to share your personal testimony?

II.       A BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF A THREE POINT TESTIMONY

The Apostle Paul's testimony serves as a good example. When he shared his story, he presented a logical and simple defense for the hope within him. Generally he spoke of his life before Christ, how he came to know Christ and his life since accepting Christ.

A.   Notice the outline in Acts 21:37-22:21:

1.   Acts 22:1-5: Paul shares about his life before accepting Christ.

2.   Acts 22:6-11: Paul shares how he became a believer.

3.   Acts 22:12-22: Paul shares how his life changed after accepting Christ.

B. Can you find a similar outline in Acts 26:2-29?

III.      HOW TO WRITE YOUR OWN TESTIMONY

As shown above, your testimony can logically be divided into three parts:

·        before accepting Christ,

·        how you accepted Christ,

·        and after accepting Christ.

A.   Before: This section covers what your life was like before you accepted Christ. The following questions may help you think through what you want to convey:

1.    What were the unmet needs in your life? Some possibilities include: loneliness, lack of significance, lack of purpose, a sense of emptiness, fear of death, aimlessness, lack of peace etc.

2.    How did you attempt to have these needs met? Some possibilities include: accomplishments, accumulation of wealth or things, drugs, alcohol, sex, finding fulfillment in work, education, athletics, etc.

B.   How: This section describes the circumstances and events that caused you to consider Christ and the steps you took to become a Christian. Included in this section is a brief but clear presentation of the Gospel.

C.    After: This section explains the changes that have occurred in your life since receiving Christ. This should relate back to the specific issues you discussed in the “before” section.

IV.       IMPORTANT “DOS AND DON'TS”

When writing and giving your personal testimony there are some basic “dos and don'ts” which will make it more effective.

A. Do:

1.   Keep your testimony concise. Three minutes is sufficient time to tell your story. (Read Paul's testimonies out loud. You will notice that none of them are more than three minutes!)

2.   Begin with an interesting attention-getting sentence.

3.   Be realistic.

4.   Be positive from start to finish.

5.   Emphasize the difference that Christ has made in your life.

6.   You may consider using one scripture in your testimony.

B. Don't:

1.   Use Christian terminology. For the most part it will be meaningless to a non-Christian. Words like born-again, saved, invited Christ into my heart, accepted Christ, gave my life to Christ, Christ filled a hole in my soul, etc. are very alien to non-Christians. Therefore avoid using the following:

§  "born again"
Instead use:
• spiritual birth
• spiritual renewal
• to come alive spiritually
• given a new life 

§  "saved" Instead use:
• rescued
• delivered from despair
• found hope for life

§  "lost" Instead use:
• heading in the wrong direction
• separated from God
• had no hope

§  "Gospel" Instead use:
• God's message to man
• the good news about Christ's purpose on earth

§  "sin" Instead use:
• rejecting God
• missing the mark
• falling away from the right path
• a crime against God's law
• disobedience to God 

§  "repent" Instead use:
• admit a wrong
• change one's mind, heart or attitude
• make a decision to turn away
• turn around
• a 180 degree turn from what you were doing

2.   Preach at people. Share your story with them.

3.   Use negative statements about churches, specific denominations, other organizations or people.

4.   Give the impression that the Christian life is without problems.

5.   Be long winded. Keep your testimony concise.

V.      PRESENTING YOUR TESTIMONY

A.   Remember, we are admonished to always be ready to give an account for the hope within us. Therefore, you should always be ready to share your testimony. The following suggestions will help you be prepared:

1. Memorize your testimony.

2. Rehearse your testimony until it becomes natural.

3. Practice you testimony with a friend.

B.   When the opportunity arises to share your testimony, remember the following:

1.   Share your testimony in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to speak to the heart of those listening.

2.   Be relaxed. Smile

3.   Avoid nervous mannerisms.

VI.       GET STARTED

A.   Write out your story.

B.   Show your story to someone else to proof and offer suggestions.

C.   Make your testimony your elevator speech- three minutes long is what it takes to capture a person’s interest.

D.  Look for opportunities to share your testimony with others.