Elder Richard G. Scott Connects Faith to Power

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.

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.

Elder Scott Uses a Change in Tone While Teaching of Faith

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints hold a general conference two times a year in which members are given the opportunity to hear from religious leaders. One of these leaders is Elder Richard G. Scott. I have always found great hidden messages in talks given by Elder Scott I decided to analyze his talk entitled Make the Exercise of Your Faith Your First Priority. This conference I was shocked to see Elder Scott deviate from his normal soft, understanding voice he uses while speaking publicly and put a little more aggression into his tone.

I compared this conference talk to the talk he gave last conference in April entitled I Have Given You an Example because although the loving quality of his message was the same, his tone of delivery was completely opposite. 

This conference report Elder Scott had a little bit more fire while he was speaking. As I listened to him, I felt like he was also saying "we have been over this multiple times so lets try to get it this go around". In all honesty I quite enjoyed the change of pace in his delivery and found much more drawn in to his message because he seemed to be speaking with much more vigor. He was straight forward with his message, giving 4 easy steps that we need to follow in order to make our mortal life easier to endure by helping us have a greater abundance of the spirit. This format made the talk very educational and easy to follow. This report had no stories of his personal life and made no mention of his wife Janeane which is worthy note because his wife died about 20 years ago and the last couple of conferences he has mentioned her and how much he loves and misses her.   

April 2014 conference he talked of examples in his life that helped him become who he is today. This message was very heart felt and endearing. His tone was soft and gentle as he reminisced of the sweet memories he had from his child hood. The tone in this talk was similar to past conferences where he seems to urge the audience gently along the correct path, giving quiet and subtle hints to help us along. He shared stories that helped us connect with him on a more personal level and allowed us to gain a little insight to his life. 

This change in tone and style that Elder Scott showed during this session was interesting to me because it is so different than what we are used to hearing but I really enjoyed it. Elder Scott is one of my favorite speakers and I enjoy every moment I am able to learn from him.