In Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's conference talk "Songs Sung and Unsung", rhetorical devices are expertly used to convey his message of encouraging diversity and inviting all to come unto Christ. Elder Holland delivered a wonderfully structured talk that begins with reference to a well-known hymn and uses it to propel a consistent allegory of a choir that supports his claim of strength in diversity.
Elder Holland begins his talk by quoting lines from the well-known hymn "There is Sunshine in My Soul Today" to assert that singing brings joy to the soul. He adapts the lines of the song to fit his message that "happy moments" will not always "roll." By referencing this song to the many members of the church, he is able to draw in his audience through something they already recognize as familiar. This hymn serves Elder Holland's talk with a foundation for his claim that mankind represents a dynamic choir and keeps the musical motif constant throughout his talk. He also closes with lyrics to another popular hymn that wraps up his argument in an emphatic way, calling members of the Church to action. By making these references to hymns sung weekly in meetinghouses, Elder Holland skillfully connects his message to his audience through familiar means.
Throughout his talk, Elder Holland presents an allegory of humanity as a diverse choir. He tells of a "musically challenged" singer and how such a person desires to be placed next to a confident, strong voice so that they can be supported. This is a parallel Elder Holland uses to show that at many moments, each individual will be weak and in need of such support. He suggests that the support comes from the Savior standing alongside us, whether in the form of His Spirit or in the form of an earthly disciple sent to the rescue. In addition, Elder Holland speaks of a rich choir as full of separate vocal parts - sopranos, altos, baritones, basses. Through this, he is able to precisely speak of humanity's diversity as a necessity for robust harmony and peace. He uses examples of people who may feel like a misfit to the gospel or mankind and reaches out to them with a specific, vital part that is needed in the choir of God. Elder Holland invites all to join in the choir of God that will sing songs of praise both heard and unheard. His allegorical use of a choir substantially furthers his claim and conveys his message in a way that would be weakened without it.
Elder Holland's message of strength in diversity is clearly conveyed by way of his expert allegory and connection to his audience. He uses rhetorical devices to appeal to those he speaks to and calls them to action by inviting them to join the choir and come unto Christ. His talk "Songs Sung and Unsung" resonates with all those who hear it and he defines a place for all who feel misfit for the kingdom across any demographic barriers. His argument is clear and powerful as he wishes that all of God's children may sing in His choir with sunshine in their soul.
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