Alister McGrath defines the Effective Apologist

"The effective apologist is one who listens before speaking and who makes every effort to link the resources of the Christian apologetic tradition both to the needs of that person and to the level of that person's ability to handle argumentation and imagery. The art of effective apologetics is hard work. It simultaneously demands a mastery of the Christian tradition, an ability to listen sympathetically, and a willingness to take the trouble to express ideas at such a level and in such a form that the audience can understand them and respond to them."

Alister McGrath, Intellectuals Don't Need God & Other Modern Myths: Building Bridges To Faith Through Apologetics