Repetition Really, Really Works

Why do we repeat things when we speak? Yes, as humans we make mistakes and duplicate words, but in many instances the repetition is completely intentional. In the short sermon and testimony by Elder Rasband, one of the three new apostles, he repeats one word over and over again: "love". Why does he do this?

In school we are taught that when our teacher says something more than once, it is likely to be on the next exam. Elder Rasband is by every definition of the word our teacher, and while there is no test, the principle of love was the crux of his words: "Now, if I could leave one small message with you today, it would be this: the Lord has said, 'Love one another, as I have loved you." Yes, his words inspired all of us as members of the Church. Yes, his words constructed ethos and pathos. Yes, he used a hymn to frame and add finesse to his talk. But the most overwhelming feeling I had from his talk was his love for myself and all members of the Church and, more importantly, his love the Savior Jesus Christ and the apostles.

The scripture that I cited above with the words of Jesus not only established tremendous ethos to his argument, but also brought out the topic of invention of maxims and proverbs. The proverb "Love one another, as I have loved you" is one that is sung in a familiar children hymn and read often in Sunday School class and talks over the pulpit. As a Church body, Elder Rasband knew that we would immediately latch onto this well-known proverb from the Savior. The repetition of the word love in relationship to the prophet, the first presidency, the deceased apostles, and his family, only primed his audience (all of us) for the potent yet simple proverb. Overall, Elder Rasband's use of repetition and the love proverb left the audience feeling safe, empowered, and eager to see what wisdom this mighty man will share with us over the next many years.