Elder Bednar’s uses decorum with an appeal to logos to
illustrate the perfect moment of Kairos for his speech. Intertwined throughout his
speech, Elder Bednar refers to the past dispensations and past prophets to
demonstrate the reality that now (kairos) is the time to speak of technology
and possibly more importantly, now is the time to “act” or communicate through
technology and social media.
Elder Bednar’s ability to appeal to reason in explaining the
significance of this, our dispensation (kairos) causes the audience to more
fully recognize that our lives and the timing of them have been looked too
since the beginning of time. An audience member may think, “If the prophets of
old have looked to and prophesied of our day then I guess this is pretty
important stuff.” As Elder Bednar continues he consistently refers back to the
past to remind us of the power of now. Finally, Elder Bednar invites the
audience now, to act in the future. This invitation persuades and moves the
audience to think, “This time is so important that there is something that I need
to do about it.”
Although the intent and detail differs in Socrates
communication, the overlying pattern is similar. Socrates uses the past and
events found within it to influence the present and appeal to logos in order to
effect the way in which Gorgias responds, ultimately demonstrating his superior
reasoning. I also find it significant that Socrates points out the Kairos of
his communication (like Elder Bednar) as he pauses from time to time to be sure
that the audience is still comfortable to proceed, strengthening his ethos.
Among all else, the message moved me.
Let’s #ShareGoodness!
I'm glad you brought that up about recognizing the importance of our time. That was something that really impressed me about the talk. I felt just as you described, if they looked forward to our day, it must really be important!
ReplyDeleteGreat interpretation of the incorporation past events to preside us to the future. It almost seemed like they were developing the idea that those who came before us did what they could with what they had and laid the ground work for what we have the potential for doing today, so we should really act. If not, then the warnings and counsel of the past fall on empty ears. We see the benefits of heeding and consequences of ignoring this counsel poignantly from both Elder Bednar and Socrates.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of kairos! Previously I had some inklings as to what it really meant, such as saying something at the right time, but this hits home for me. This was the perfect setting to speak about social media and missionary work. Thanks for helping me to understand kairos more!
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