A Great Talk, From a Man I Love

Elder Bednar is a master at delivering really powerful talks which are always structured so well. I appreciate how he usually states his intention or gives a quick overview of his main points, and uses taxis before he dives in. This was the case in his most recent General Conference talk. It always helps the audience pay attention to key points and apply it directly to their lives.

A lot of General Conference talks, including Elder Bednar's, used ecphrasis while telling stories. By taking the time to describe the Prophets and Apostles that made an impact in his life, he really appeals to our remembering the same Apostles and thinking of how they have made an impact in our lives.

To drive home is main point, Elder Bednar uses a variety of literary approaches. He starts out by quoting Elder Hales, "When you cannot do what you have always done, then you always do what is most important." He then uses syncrisis to compare and contrast physical strength and spiritual ability. Using examples like loss of sight vs gain of spiritual insight, lack of physical stamina vs gaining spiritual endurance. Antithesis is also used to explain that though some people view elderliness as bad, it is actually a positive thing for many reasons.

One other method he used was the visuals as he quoted past Apostles and Prophets. This instantly brought familiar feelings and nostalgic thoughts which helped impact the audience. In this same part of his talk he used repetition by saying, "...from a man I love" at the end of each quote. This added to his other methods of ethos and pathos which made for a wonderful talk.

Elder Rasbands Encomium

Don’t Be a Bully, Use Rhetoric

Have you ever been bullied or beaten up? Bullying is a way of making yourself look better by making others look a feel stupid and insecure. This is one way to create ethos but there is a better way! The alternate option is displayed by elder Rasband in his talk this past Sunday morning. Elder Rasband’s use of encomium, name dropping and expert delivery sold him as a solid

compassionate apostle with exceptional credibility.

His talk is an encomium because of its extensive praise of the apostles both past and living. He praises them extensively and then compares and contrasts himself to them. He does this by saying “I am not worthy to stand in their shoes”. This statement alone would have left the audience feeling that he was unworthy but with his beautifully added that he will “stand on their shoulders”, it leaves the audience with a feeling of security. In doing this he is the opposite of a bully he literally builds himself up by building up other, and then standing on their shoulders.  

The use of so many apostles and prophets names is a rhetoric tool. If done correctly the audience associates those people with Elder Rasband and his message. This use of namedropping improves his credibility and appeal.

His demeanor and delivery was impeccable he seemed straightforward yet caring. Straightforward in that he strongly bore his testimony and his message with deviated eye contact and a firm voice. He was also very direct in his message stated exactly what he would like the audience to gain from his talk. He was also caring in that he showed emotions at opportune times and even touched his heart when talking about his ancestors. This use of direct delivery and ethos improved his credibility.

With the use of many rhetorical devices Elder Rasband not only convinced the audience of his message but of his personal character and credibility as a true apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.