COMMENTS about this page: The following is an outline I have used at many missionaries conferences. This may be a help in jogging your memory in your return stateside.

How important it is as you return Stateside with your family to make a good impression with your people. Everyone is important! Those who love you, pray for you and support you ... those who don't remember you ... and those whom you will meet for the first time! Remember, as you re-enter the Stateside world, you and your family will be entering a new and changing culture. It isn't the same as you left it! Consider the following suggestions as you become the "public" missionary back home!

"You can't make a second first impression" ... or ... "How to lose your support in less than ten minutes!"

I. YOUR PERSONAL "PUBLIC" IMPRESSION: The importance of you and your family's looks and behavior ... as others see you!

A. Back in our world ... our changing culture.

B. Prepare the family for re-entry! Prep children ... changes coming. What 'n why!

1. Alert mentality: Do your homework. Prepare to communicate on current events, politics, cars, styles, people.

2. Dress: clean, neat and in style. USA super-sensitive in this.

3. On the road...the traveling family!

1. Manners and food: Different food. Different times. (On the road).

2. Children disciplined and under control! Polite.

3. Different bed, bedtimes.

C. Image: Good or bad, missionaries have an "image." Be aware of this.

CAUTION: If any of you have special family needs, simply ask for cooperation but ask ahead. Special diets, sleep for the kids, etc.. Plan ahead.

II. YOUR PLATFORM IMPRESSION: You and your presentation are very important.

A. Dress well: Neat, clean, style (hair/clothing) groomed!

B. Cheerful, confident attitude. Confident you and your ministry are important.

C. Be prepared; spiritually, physically, and program-wise.

1. Know your program: (suggestion: short and stretchable ...)

2. Eat light: Hard to be alert on a full stomach of rich food.

3. Make a time to be alone. Review and gather thoughts. PRAY! Check list: slides (checked), projector and spare lamp, screen, extension cord, artifacts, literature.

4. Be early.

5. Confirm evening with Pastor.

D. Your presentation: Your program presentation should be the best you can make it! Your audience today is very sophisticated ... the hidden criteria is the ever present media! Subconsciously or consciously, you will be judged by the MEDIA standard! It will be necessary to be spiritual powerful, uniquely yourself, warm, honest, personable, and knowledgeable ... sharing an exciting ministry you're sold on!

Informing your audience is just part of the equation, selling your ministry is the bottom line.

NOTE: Your camera or camcorder must be seen as an essential investment ... a tool! When you take pictures, develop an eye for interesting material and photos. Opt for unusual, creative pictures. If possible, have a series for general use. One for women, one for men and one for children. (Quality, short and fast).

Your equipment should be the best. Cheap equipment is no bargain! The difference between good equipment and poor equipment is generally a matter of "priority." Good equipment ... complete equipment ... is essential!

1. Introduce your family. Ref. to Pastor and leaders by name. Thank all for support, etc.. Do your homework on each church.

2. Your audience: Very important to know your audience and how to "read" them.
   1. Their age.

   2. How long they have been sitting.

   3. How to "read" them. Their interest!
3. Your message: Informative, clear, and motivated. Use artifacts .Stick to your closing time!

4. Your photos or graphics. Show them quickly and efficiently. Better to have a short graphics program that you can stretch than a long set that you will have to condense.

5. If you are using technology in your presentation be sure you are at the location early and have run through the presentation before you are on.

6. Your closing. How will you close? Will it be you or pastor?

7. Have literature, business cards, etc.

First impressions mean a lot. The difference between a professional missionary and his family, or a motley group that ambles on to the Stateside scene, is knowing whom you represent, what you are and what you are doing, Work in this area will make furlough time a joy and not a chore ... a profitable time stateside.