Continuing on President Monson's "Be Your Best Self," I'd like to set aside the fact that this is the Prophet speaking, since that is the most obvious sense of ethos we can observe in this article, and because there are more ways in which President Monson establishes credibility in his speech.
My favorite part about how President Monson speaks is the way he addresses his listeners. Specifically, how he uses "we" as often as he can instead of "you," which would distance himself from his listeners. For instance, in the end of paragraph 5, he says "As we do so, we provide the means by which our heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, can accomplish Their work here upon the earth. It is we who are their representatives here." I also like how he addresses us as his "brethren." Because in a spiritual sense, we really are. He realizes that, and speaks to us with that high of a regard.
Other reinforcements of his ethos come from the resources he uses: the use of quotes of previous Prophets of the latter days, and the use of Scriptures, which are the most credible sources there could be (as far as they are translated correctly, of course).
"I Have A Dream"
14 years ago
I think that is a very effective way to win over your audience. By doing this, we feel that we have a closer relationship with a man of such credibility. As he familiarizes himself with the audience, he is certainly admired because we feel we can relate to him and he isn't so distant from our level.
ReplyDeleteI also believe this demonstrates his accurate sense of his audience - and knowing who is speaking to, what type of community they are, what they're morals and beliefs are, as well as the similarities between himself (as the speaker) with the audience as a whole.
A great point to make Lars. The title is a little misleading towards what your main point is, but that's another matter.
ReplyDeleteKeeping himself linked with the audience was a great tactic by him, and it's good that you've brought out this point. Maybe for the sense of this blog, I'd expand a little more on your last paragraph, showing his ethos and relations with who he is talking about. This can all be done while staying away from the fact that Pres. Monson is the Prophet of our church.