The habit of assuming you know the question and answering it before truly listening — a common apologetics failure

McDowell admits he has often answered questions people were not actually asking, because he thought he had a great answer and jumped in. Even today he sometimes gives what he thinks is a great answer and the person says that is not what they were asking. In formal formats like debates or radio you sometimes must do that, but in person he tries to ask more questions. Jesus asked far more questions than he gave answers. The goal is to be person-first: understanding, patient, gracious. McDowell acknowledges apologists are often too quick to sound smart and win arguments on Twitter rather than actually minister to the person.