President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Passionate Words to the Rational Minded

      President Deiter F. Uchtdorf often teaches and inspires others through his appeals to reason and logic. His use of logos is demonstrated through the real life examples he uses. In his talk, "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth," he demonstrates how truth, discovered or not, does not change its veracity. He states his intended purpose of the address by saying, "The purpose of my remarks is to proclaim the joyful message that God Himself—the Lord of Hosts who knows all truth—has given His children the promise that they can know truth for themselves." He also quickly establishes authority when he speaks of his experience flying many miles as a pilot. He often mentions his experience as a pilot because he was much involved in the airline industry before his call to apostleship. He was the "Senior Vice President Flight Operations and Lufthansa Chief Pilot. He was also chairman of the Flight Operations Committee of the International Air Transport Association" (lds.org). 

    Logos is used when he said, "My dear friends, here is a fairly straightforward experiment, with a guarantee from God." He outlines four steps to receiving a witness of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the Church. This is important to members and non-members who are looking to strengthen their beliefs in the teachings of the church. President Uchtdorf has used a similar method of teaching in past conference addresses. In his talk titled, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?" he lists three attributes that people may consider improving upon. He also starts with an anecdote before stating his purpose and directly teaching.

    Although the two previously listed talks include logos, pathos, and ethos, he often resorts to logic and reason to explain gospel principles.  His audiences respond to his style of teaching with laughter and understanding. His style of teaching allows logically oriented people to connect with his teachings. His use of imagery and detailed examples can bring abstract heavenly principles down to earth.