The use of rhetorical questions is a valuable tool for any speaker. Elder Oaks uses it to ask, "Are we using our resources to maximum effect?" This causes the audience to ponder if they are effectively using modern technology, which is clearly a heaven-sent gift, for it's purpose of sharing the gospel. Elder Oaks then goes on to answer the question, explaining that the majority of church members are in fact, failing to utilize social media to its full potential. In this way, rhetorical questions asked throughout the talk help the audience think for themselves, "What more can I do?"
Elder Oaks effectively uses sentence structure to create logos and pathos in his argument. He shares examples of everyone who can be reached by member missionary work, from persons who are "committed believers," to those "who have never heard his name," to those "satisfied with their current lives," to those "desperately seeking to improve themselves." This parallel sentence structure and repetition of "those persons" shows that we can share the gospel, whatever the circumstances. Sentence structure is also a valuable tool as he explains that "We need the help of every member, and every member can help." This sentence almost acts as a palindrome, because it uses the inverse wording. This is a powerful way to phrase a simple sentence, that both states the needs of the Church and how we can meet those needs.
A highlight of Elder Oaks' talk is when he quoted Elder Quentin L. Cook and shared a metaphor comparing missionary work to a piano. Missionary work is not just one note, struck once in a song. It is rather, a "major chord" that needs to be played continually throughout the song. It's an integral part of the music, and is necessary to live in harmony. This figurative language is an effective device, because it is something many members can relate to and understand. It creates the image of being a missionary throughout your whole life, not just during the two years you may serve as a full-time missionary.
Perhaps the most effective tool that Elder Oaks utilizes in his talk is lists. Lists are a rhetorical device that strengthen the logos of an argument, and in this case they make missionary work seem like something attainable and accessible to every member. There are two separate lists in the talk: one that describes three things all members can do to increase their effectiveness as missionaries, and one that gives specific ideas for members or wards. Elder Oaks says about the first list, "All members should do...all of them." By sharing these two lists, Elder Oaks also makes it easy to take notes, and remember what he is saying. This is important because he is addressing a conference audience, who are likely trying to get out nuggets of information to take home and act upon.
This talk was especially important to me because I have recently turned in my mission papers. I am excited to get out in the field and share the gospel! As Elder Oaks eloquently puts it, "What could be more joyful than sharing the truths of eternity with God's children?" I think this talk will be valuable to me for my entire life, however, beyond the scope of my missionary service. It is addressed to every member of the Church, even those who don't currently have a desire to serve. You can pray to have this desire, and you can pray to know what you can do to spread the gospel truth. Like the piano chords that need to be continuously played, I believe that I will be doing missionary work throughout my entire life. I'm grateful for such inspired advice from the mouth of an Apostle, that encourages and instructs us on how we can constantly share joy with our brothers and sisters.
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