President Monson's Toolbox - of Language

Every good Latter Day Saint knows of President Monson's incredible ability to tell stories. He brings us into his world where we can fully understand the principles he is teaching. In his talks he uses a plethora of language tools. Some are obvious and some are discreet. The use of a story in and of itself could be considered a language tool. I would like to look at some of the tools he uses in his May 2009 Priesthood address.

When Lars analyzed this talk one of the points he made up was that President Monson establishes ethos by refering to and quoting past prophets. In terms of language tools, this is called an allusion (Writing and Rhetoric 94). An allusion refers back to a notable historical figure or event. This is so common in our church rhetoric that we aren't often phased by it. President Monson refering to quotes by Harold B. Lee and John Taylor establishes his ethos by setting him on an equal pedi stool with other great figures. Whether consciously or unconsciously the audience associates President Monson with fairytaled prophets of the past. The ultimate allusion he uses is the cornerstone of our religion: Christ. I believe that building a talk around Christ provides the ultimate source of legitimacy. It is a simple language tool effectively used.

President Monson is also a master of imagery. His vivid language lets the reader picture exactly what he is talking about. In this talk his three main points are to study diligently, pray fervently, and live righteously. He doesn't just say to study, pray, and live. Each adjective evokes a feeling and mental picture from the reader. What is the difference between praying normally and praying diligently? The word diligently gives the word study a completely reinvented meaning. The same goes for fervently and righteously; maybe a fervent prayer lasts ten minutes instead of 3. Later in the talk he compares life to a pathway on which we are journeying. How much easier is to view life when you simplify it with a simile? Perhaps the audience can imagine their specific pathway with all the specific pit stops along the way. The prophet's dazzling use of imagery infinitely enhances the ability of the audience to relate to the message.

The final language tool of President Monson's that I'd like to look at is his use of analogies. This also is used an incredible amount in the church. Parables are analogies. An example is the tree of life. We are familiar with trees and fruit, so the Lord uses them to help us understand harder topics like Christ and eternal life. President Monson uses the same parable with emphasis on holding to the rod of iron. Holding to the rod is analogous to studying diligently (one of his three main points). How so? It is easy for some people to imagine literally grabbing onto an iron rod. It is real; it is tangible. If one can grasp a rod with such vigor, why can't one study with such vigor? Parables like this are beneficial because they liken a more abstract idea to a tangible, familiar idea that the audience can relate to.

It could be said that President Monson uses words to make his argument --that is exactly true. The tools he uses and the tone he embodies come together to create a moving message for all Latter Day Saints. I think it is important to note one last tool he uses: the Spirit.

(This article was also analyzed by Lars)