Timing is Everything

              As the finale of six sessions, Elder Bednar had the unique opportunity the wrap up and to have the final say in this October’s Conference.  This placement gave him the privilege of being well heard—as speakers placed in the middle of sessions often get muddled together for the audience.  It also helped ensure that his message would be remembered—as his words were the final echoing bells in the ears of those listening.  With such a setup in place, it was pivotal that Elder Bednar take full advantage.  And, he did.

             Elder Bednar absolutely played to his given kairos.  One, his subject perfectly summed up the previous conference addresses.  With the passing of former leaders and the calling of the new, it was fitting that he focused on the role of leadership throughout his talk.  He combined the sense of humility and capability of the church’s leaders that had been constant themes.  Two, he appealed to pathos—reminding the audience of their love and admiration for former leaders and giving them a desire to form such affinity for the newly called.

            Not only was his subject well placed in the conference setting, but it also fit perfectly with the current status of the world in general. Many question church leadership—claiming that the elderly are outdated.  As the world becomes more pressed for equality and increased social liberty, people have a hard time conforming to the “old ways.”  However, Elder Bednar addressed such concerns with logos—explaining not only that “it’s the Lord’s way” (which would generally be seen as a weak argument to society) but logically describing the “why”.
            By addressing leadership, Elder Bednar was able to created ethos for all of the previous speakers, create an increased desire in the audience to act on what they had learned throughout the conference sessions, and address/rebuttal the concerns of society on the matter. (listen to address)