Scholarly Reflections
Koukl, Gregory. (2019). "Chapter Three: Getting in the Driver's Seat: The Columbo Tactic." In Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (updated and expanded). pp. 52-62. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Koukl describes four scenes in which a surprising point of view is presented which deserves a response (Koukl 2019, 52-53). In Koukl's view, there is only about a ten second window of opportunity for a first response. Koukl advises use of questions which intentionally draw a person into the conversation (Koukl 2019, 54-55). The use of a question allows the questioner to draw out thoughts and clarify attitudes. It provides more information to work with (Koukl 2019,55). Koukl emphasizes that the question needs to be focused and purposeful. It moves the conversation in a direction Koukl wishes to go (Koukl 2019, 56).
Koukl calls his primary tactic the "Columbo" tactic, named after the investigator in a television crime series (Koukl 2019, 56-57). Columbo would ask questions in a seemingly innocuous way. Yet they would routinely lead to the exact information needed. Koukl notes that people like to be asked their opinion, and that they will often readily provide information (Koukl 2019, 58). Questioning can be carefully directed and allow you to guide a conversation (Koukl 2019, 60).
Koukl notes he uses the questioning tactic in three ways: "to gather information…reverse the burden of proof…[or]to make a point" (Koukl 2019, 60).