QuestionS

Neal A Maxwell taught that Mormon rhetoric is to be short, direct, and to the point. The spectrum of doctrine and philosophies that can  can be instigated is seemingly endless, and can be a very attractive pitfall to many speakers. Those that are most effective however are those that “stay on task” without digression and after all is said and done drive home one simple truth to their audience. The life of an individual probably won’t be transformed by a single speech, but it can receive a nudge in the right direction.

The then President of BYU, Jeffery Holland in his devotional address “Of Souls Symbols and Sacraments,” employed distinct literary devices that help him to get his simple message across to the students on campus. The most powerful of which was his usage of questions. Elder Holland was very active in questioning his audience of students. Students are very accustom to questions. Not only are they encouraged to ask questions, but in the best learning environments, they are often questions, so as to better retain what is being taught. It is a way of capturing the audience’s attention, and if they so choose, allowing them to become and active participant in being taught.

It isn’t clear through the text, but I’m sure that Elder Holland was also and active “listener” to the questions that he was posing. This meaning that he wouldn’t just throw out a question and then continue on. I’m sure at times we would pause and allow the students in the audience to digest what he was presenting to them. I know that for me personally, its difficult to take everything in if the speaker or teacher doesn't pause and allow for some internal grow and reflection  to take place.

Again questions are a great way for whoever is speaking to take their audience by the hand and show them what their intentions are. It also keeps the audience engaged and on track, which when you are speaking to students as well is very important so that you can get your message across.