Questions & Conversations

“And Zeezrom said unto him, ‘Thou sayest there is a true and living God?’

And Amulek said, ‘Yea, there is a true and living God.’

Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God?

And he answered, ‘No.’

Now Zeezrom said ‘unto him again: How knowest thou these things?’

And he said: ‘An angel hath made them known unto me.’

And Zeezrom said again: ‘Who is he that shall come? Is it the Son of God?’

And he said unto him, ‘Yea.’

And Zeezrom said again: ‘Shall he save his people in their sins?’

And Amulek answered and said unto him: ‘I say unto you he shall not, for it is impossible for him to deny his word.’

Now Zeezrom said unto the people: ‘See that ye remember these things; for he said there is but one God; yet he saith that the Son of God shall come, but he shall not save his people—as though he had authority to command God.’”

At this point Zeezrom is questioning Amulek regarding the gospel. Amulek responds simply and to the point, nothing glamorous about his answers. I particularly find this part effective because he is very direct. A lot of times when people ask questions they are given vague answers. “Pray about it” converts are often told, but at the same time it is important to have the background so you know what to pray about in the first place.

It is a very effective rhetorical approach to have the conversation written out as dialogue, because it allows the reader to understand and have their own questions answered.

Also, it is notable that the language is not particularly fancy. Often times these great sermons are preached with such eloquent language that the basic point can be lost in translation.

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.