In the Sunday Afternoon Session, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke in a sermon which he titled, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority”. This talk had an overarching theme of positivity and rising above adversity. It seems Elder Scott can speak on this topic with great authority because of the personal trials he has faced. He often mentions the passing of his wife Jeanene Scott who died in May of 1993 and it's easy to see how this has influenced him in his sermons and in other life experiences.
During this October General Conference Session, speakers
from many different backgrounds spoke on topics of their choosing. The average
length of time for each talk given was approximately fifteen minutes. This
length of time allows one to adequately analyze such a sermon for rhetorical
techniques that are not superficial, but that stem throughout the entire length
of the talk.
It is interesting to note the way in which Elder Scott draws
attention to the ability that the individual has been over the trails of life. Indeed,
this seems to be what the basis of his sermon is created. For example, he
encourages fathers and mothers saying, “safeguard your children by arming them
morning and night with the power of family prayer.” There is a reoccurring theme
of doing things which give you and your family strength over trails.
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| Photo From: deseretnews.com |
It is interesting to compare this talk with a talk also
given by Elder Scott from the April 2003 called, “The Sustaining Power of Faith
in Times of Uncertainty and Testing”.
When comparing these two talks, there pops out a common word
that is repeated over and over. The word POWER becomes a motif that is used in
every section of each sermon! Consistent with the theme of individual strength
over trials, Elder Scott uses word choice such as “power of family prayer”, “powerful blessings”, “faith-filled power”, and “power of the Atonement”.
What is the effect of these rhetorical elements? By using theme, motif, and word choice which connote power that are accessible to the listener, the listener becomes encouraged and is able to see the ability which he has to immediately change and affect his daily life. It is this commonality in Elder Scott’s speaking that lends him such great power in helping the listener learn, grow, and come closer to the Savior.
Throughout Church History, we have seen speakers who always have a topic or a way of speaking that they always reference in every talk, or nail it down every 1 in 3 talks. Things like themes or rhetorical elements that is perpetuated over many conference talks is how we remember certain speakers, ie. Elder Holland.
ReplyDeleteYou're really able to see how the power in this past conference talk affects his talk and the way people respond to it. He's able to use power to his advantage in his talk and help people feel like they have the power to make those changes.
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