In class we were asked to do a
rhetorical analysis on a talk from General Conference. I have chosen to
analyze Elder M. Russell Ballard's talk from priesthood session. Elder
Ballard is an excellent speaker who is very effective in rhetorical speaking.
Elder Ballard used three key forms of rhetoric that which I hope to
briefly analyze. First, Elder Ballard used imagery to describe how
missionaries are called. Second, he asked a large list of rhetorical
questions that invited his audience to look within themselves. Third,
Elder Ballard showed his credibility by his word choice especially in the way
he addressed his intended audience which helps him to connect with them.
Elder Ballard did an excellent job
in describing how missionaries are individually called to serve in a specific
field of labor. One way which he expresses intimate imagery is when Elder
Ballard describes what happens when they review a missionary's application.
In Elder Ballard's own words he says, "When your picture appears, we
look into your eyes and review your answers to the missionary recommendation
questions." The way that he phrases this helps his audience to feel
that he and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles really do take the time to get to
know candidate spiritually and strive to receive revelation on the exact place
where the missionary should be called. I personally can testify that they
are inspired because of the things I was able to learn and do in Finland.
Elder Ballard also invites his
audience to look deep within themselves spiritually when he asks questions as
if he were present in the room giving a personal interview. He uses
rhetorical questions such as "Do you search the scriptures
regularly?" and "Do you kneel in prayer to talk with your Heavenly Father
each morning and each night?" He goes on to ask many more rhetorical
questions all of which are intended to help his audience search deep within
themselves. Though Elder Ballard may not be able to be physically present
with each individual in his audience, his questions are very effective in
helping him to get his point across and allow his audience to recognize ways in
which they can progress spiritually.
Finally, Elder Ballard uses
appropriate word choice to show his ethos and also to connect with his
audience. He uses proper grammar and pronunciation that helps his
audience to feel his dignity. He also uses appropriate words and phrases
that bring him closer to his audience. For example he does not just
simply say how some forms of social media can be destructive; rather he calls
specific forms out by name such as "Tinder" and "Snapchat."
This increases his ethos because it shows that he knows what he is
talking about and give his audience specific examples of how people need to be
careful and aware of what they are doing with these apps. This leaves no
room for discrepancy or false justification of poor use for his audience.
In conclusion Elder Ballard, along
with the other speakers in conference, is a rhetorical genius. He clearly
depicts how missionaries are called helping us to feel the personal love he has
for each missionary. He also provides excellent questions which help each
member of his audience look deep within themselves spiritually and also allows
the spirit to help each person know how he or she can improve and come unto
Christ. He then increases his ethos by using proper diction and word
choice which allows him to connect with and identify with his audience.
Elder Ballard is truly a great speaker and an amazing servant of the
Lord. It is no wonder why he was called to be a member of the Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles. I invite everyone to give a listen to his talk which
he gave in April 2015 General Priesthood Session.
