Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter Eight: Perfecting Columbo." In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). pp. 115-125. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Koukl notes that as a way of managing a conversation his Columbo tactic is effective. However, keeping it working takes practice (Koukl 2019, p. 115). In particular, readily finding a workable response in a real-time conversation may be difficult. The best ideas come to us before or after the conversation (Koukl 2019, p. 116). Koukl recommends purposely anticipating situations that might happen and reflecting on those which have already happened. This increases the store of likely questions and potential answers we have to work with. Koukl here reminds the reader of his "Ambassador Model" in chapter one. The ambassador should be well informed, wise, and show character in his manner (Koukl 2019, p. 117). These are qualities which improve with practice. At times, if you were with a friend in the conversation, that friend may be able to give valuable feedback. Anticipating an argument allows you to sort out good and bad responses in advance, and to be ready with good ones.
Ral-tie conversations are different from those we plan or predict. Koukl admits to making mistakes. he provides examples of interactions that went badly (Koukl 2019, p. 119ff). Even someone who is very proficient at inquiry can go wrong, and realize it after a question or statement which is not helpful has already been made. In some instances, we may not go astray but we might not know the question that will point directly to the issue at hand. Reflection after the interaction may help isolate that question.
Koukl reminds his readers that the way we approach questioning and the attitude we show is very important in establishing and sustaining positive relationships (Koukl 2019, p. 123). In general, we will be more persuasive to the person we engage by a gentle approach, while in a debate when we wish to persuade the audience we should be more forceful (Koukl 2019, p. 124).