When we hear the word "conceit" we often think of being selfish or self-centered. However, in literary or rhetorical analysis the term is used when the author incorporates a story throughout the article or speech, almost like an allegory. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles uses this in almost every single one of his talks, but I chose to compare his recent address "
Stay in the Boat and Hold On" and his talk from October 2013 "Put Your Trust in the Lord".
The comparison starts with his choice of title. Each of the titles is a short phrase in command form. It tells us that he is going to give an action for us to follow and maybe even the tools to do it. This comes as no surprise, as Elder Ballard has served many times in counseling and leadership positions, including serving as a Counselor to his Mission President at a young age. Each of these talks start off by a story, personal or second-hand to illustrate the concept he is about to speak on. In "Stay on the Boat and Hold On" he tells the story of his friend on a rafting trip, and in "Put Your Trust in the Lord" he tells a story of him and his wife travelling to visit missionaries. Both stories have "recently" within the first few words and portray a sense of urgency to keep on the right path and move the work forward. He relates a story of an individual person and applies it to the entire church.
For both of the talks, he then goes on telling us exactly how we are to follow through with his initial command, his title. In "Stay on the Boat and Hold On" he weaves the rules of the river rafting trip through his counsel to keep the covenants and obligations we have made as members of the church. In "Put Your Trust in the Lord" he weaves his story of touring missions through the commandment to share the gospel and how to be more involved in missionary work.
This device is a hallmark of his, and is quite effective in relaying his message and making it personal. Personal stories woven through a message allow for the audience to relate to the message and make it possible to apply it into our daily living.
I thought it was interesting how he started off with his three points (Stay in the boat, wear a lifejacket, and continuously hold on), kind of stating that this is what he was going to talk about. It helped the audience be engaged, as they knew what was coming and all they needed was how to do it. I really liked the arrangement of his talk.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you pointed out how he starts off his stories with "recently". I think this helps the audience focus better on the story. It does not feel quite as personally applicable when experiences are from many years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe point you make about the titles is interesting and something I wouldn't have considered looking at. Using a command is very engaging to his audience and motivating, like many of his talks are. Being direct is motivating!
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