In the recent October conference, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk in which he addressed the youth and young single adults around the world. He spoke of problems people of the rising generation face, including incurring debt and dating/marriage crises. Elder Hales directly delivered wonderful advice and counsel to those he aimed to address. Being a young single adult, I paid close attention to his wise remarks. A few days later, his words are still fresh on my mind, and the sound counsel he gave continues to expand my understanding and influence me for good. Why are his ideas so easy to hold in remembrance? They were framed in tidy lists.
Here is a list of the lists he used:
1.) A list of scriptural accounts about a person or a group of people fleeing from evil.
2.) A list of sources we can turn to for guidance and direction.
3.) A list of questions we should ask ourselves to determine if he or she is "the one".
4.) A list of qualities we should strive to develop in order to be worthy of "the one".
5.) A list of blessing we will receive if we follow his counsel.
Elder Hales arranged his information in a simple, easy-to-remember format that subtly persuaded me to subconsciously remember all his words.
I like how you pointed out that the arraignment of his talk served as a kind of mnemonic device for those he was addressing. He gave us several boxes of ideas and then labeled the boxes, so if we could just remember what the boxes were, it would also be easier to remember what was inside them.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that you thought his talk was 'easy to remember' because I analyzed this same talk and with all respect to Elder Hales I thought, rhetorically, it was an 'easily forgettable talk.' Or at least one that would have greater impact if read. I'll have to mention your post in my own. Thanks, Kevin!
ReplyDeleteHis list was also a great way for me to remember his points as well. I think that making a list is also a great way to sort out ideas and categorize was you need to do an know. It makes you zero in on what is most important.
ReplyDeleteOur brains seem to be built in a way that makes lists a useful tool for memorization. Like Amanda said, when we categorize information, it's easier to store it and then easier to later recall. Lists may be a simple way to arrange a speech/talk, but it certainly can be effective.
ReplyDeleteVery clever to use a list to tell about lists. this really emphasized your point because you list made me want to go back and read his talk again and look for those things specifically. i love how easy lists are to understand.
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