Here’s what’s great about this opener: it works with WHATEVER your chosen topic is for your program! Unless you live in the 17th Century, it’s guaranteed to work for you.
Start off your program by telling them what topic/subject you are going to talk about. Then say, “If you have a cell phone, please turn it on silent mode, now.”
After they have done that, then say, “Now, I want you to text two people in your address book this question. Give them a question that pertains to your topic you chose. For example, if you chose prayer, the question might be, “How does prayer work?” or “Does God really answer our prayers?”
Then continue your talk for a few minutes as the students receive responses from their friends or family members. Call on a few of the students to read their responses, if they are willing. This way, you can build off of their responses.
This makes a great illustration for any topic.
NOTE:
When you are done with the text messaging, ask students to put their phones away. If you do not say this, I guarantee you will have problems.
Idea by Jason Meredith
