Worldwide Training Broadcast

What makes this broadcast different? The biggest difference to me is the natural and (for lack of a better word) casual approach the speakers and Church leaders took in their presentations. Elder Holland’s opening address seemed to me to be the most scripted. Elder Packer, then, was shown at a desk with papers and open scriptures and delivered an address that flowed naturally as if each of us were sitting on the other side of that desk and receiving personal counsel from a loving leader.
The bulk of the presentation consisted of a round-table discussion with Elder Oaks, Elder Holland, and the presidents of the auxiliaries. It was great to see these leaders in an environment other than the somewhat artificial and polished feel of General Conference. One of my religion professors was talking about the days when conference talks were unscripted and the speakers were allowed to speak from the heart. He mentioned that the death of Elder McConkie was largely the cause of this change and that the “feel” of General Conference has changed significantly since. I don’t know for myself. Obviously, the current form is the only one with which I’ve ever been familiar, but this broadcast gave me a taste of how it must be to see these leaders in a different context.
I think this is a brave move on the part of the Church media. It was inspiring and edifying in a different way from typical Church broadcasts. I hope we can see more of this in the future and that we can continue to feel a more “personal touch” in Church training.