Based on an acronym by Rick Warren
One of the greatest gifts we can offer people is not a speech, a sermon, or even a solution—it’s a meaningful conversation. Jesus changed lives not only through teaching, but through questions. Rick Warren’s simple but powerful acronym SPEAK gives us a framework for conversations that build trust, awaken faith, and help people move toward God’s purposes for their lives.
These aren’t interrogation questions. They are relational invitations. When asked with genuine interest and humility, they create space for God to work.
S – STORY
“What is your story?”
This is where it all begins.
Everyone has a story, and most people are longing to be known. Asking about someone’s story communicates value: You matter. Your life matters. What you’ve walked through matters.
Stories reveal:
- Where a person has come from
- What has shaped them
- What wounds or victories they carry
When people share their story, walls come down. Trust is built. And often, you’ll discover God has already been at work long before you arrived in their life.
Listening well here is crucial. Don’t rush. Don’t fix. Just listen.
P – PASSION
“What motivates you?”
Everyone is moved by something.
Passion reveals what energizes a person—what makes their eyes light up, what stirs their heart, what they’d do even if no one paid them. When you take an interest in what others care about, you make a deep connection.
Passion might show up as:
- A cause they believe in
- A skill they love using
- A burden they carry
- A dream they’ve quietly held for years
When people talk about what they love, your world expands. You’re transformed by a different perspective. And often, passion points directly to calling.
E – ENCOURAGEMENT
“Do you know what you’d be good at?”
Once you know someone’s story and passions, encouragement naturally follows.
Many people lack confidence—not ability. They don’t need more criticism or caution; they need someone to speak faith into them. Encouragement is not flattery. It’s helping people see what God has already placed inside them.
This is a faith-building moment.
You might say:
- “Have you ever considered that God could use you in this?”
- “I see a real strength in you here.”
- “You’re better at this than you realize.”
Most people don’t yet believe in the dream God has given them. Your encouragement may be the catalyst that helps them take the next step.
A – ASSISTANCE
“How can I help you?”
This question reflects the heart of Jesus.
Jesus often asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” He didn’t assume. He served. And every encounter was part of God’s larger plan.
When you ask how you can help:
- You move from talk to action
- You demonstrate love in practical ways
- You align yourself with God’s work in their life
You may be in someone’s life for a specific reason—to provide help at a crucial moment so they can move forward into God’s purpose. Assistance turns compassion into obedience.
K – KNOWLEDGE
“What do you know that I need to know?”
This question is for your growth.
Everyone knows something you don’t. Wisdom is everywhere if you’re humble enough to ask. You don’t have time to make every mistake yourself—so learn from others.
This question:
- Honors people’s experience
- Turns conversations into classrooms
- Helps you grow faster and wiser
Wise people are learners for life. They draw out insight from the experiences, failures, and successes of others.
The Bonus Question (Ask Yourself)
“Who do I know that people should hear what I’ve learned?”
Wisdom was never meant to be hoarded.
What God teaches you—through people, conversations, and experiences—is meant to be passed on. This question turns learning into leadership and insight into influence.
When you share what you’ve learned:
- Others are strengthened
- God multiplies the impact
- The body of Christ grows healthier
Final Thought
SPEAK is not a technique—it’s a posture of love.
When you ask these questions with sincerity, you create conversations that do more than inform. They connect. They heal. They guide. And often, they become holy moments where God quietly does His work.
In a noisy society, people don’t need us to talk more.
They need us to SPEAK—by listening well, encouraging deeply, and serving faithfully.
