Knowledge/Truth Properly Spoken is Persuasion

In an attempt to say something of meaning without repeating what has already been said I do feel that the rhetorical ideals of invention and logos are key in both Elder Bednar’s speech and Socrates’ banter with Gorgias and Callicles. Coming from a background in sales I have always backed and really believed more in the “how” you say things over the “what” you say. James McClatchy mentioned in his post more about how the rhetoricians Socrates argues against feel quite similarly, and that “skill” is more important than knowledge in persuasion. In contrasting Socrates arguments made in the Gorgias, I think Socrates would have been overjoyed to have had Elder Bednar as a partner.

Coming October 10th - Just curious, what does everyone think about this movie?

                Although Elder Bednar is good at both the “how” and “what” of speaking, his address was so direct and knowledgeable of the topic that the viewer, speaking for myself at least, is persuaded by the mere content of what is being presented. Elder Bednar doesn't have to sell us on anything, as the message or “what” is being said sells itself. The part of the presentation that really took me back was when he got everyone’s undivided attention by directly asking for it. The reason that stood out to me is that I haven’t really heard that kind of a statement from a general authority before. I would assume this is because we are usually drawn in anyway by the “how” of their talk or presentation. It was the cherry on top that said to me Elder Bednar has spent time on this, and he knows what he is talking about. He knows what he wants to say, and what he wants us to do and doesn't need any kind of sales pitch to get us motivated to do it.