Abstract

This historical/descriptive study analyzes the speaking career of Belle S. Spafford and attempts to document the relationship between her speaking and her influence with her peers. For over fifty years, the dedicated woman served as a spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the National Council of Women, briding the gap between the secular and religious world of women. A rhetorical analysis of four speeches indicates the following findings: Mrs. Spafford appealed to her audiences through a focus on shared values; she had credibility because of her positions of authority and used it wisely; she effectively analyzed her audiences and their collective bond of interest; and she sought to convince and produce an effect without apparent force or authority. Her well-organized speeches are examples of the historical method of presentation with her style being clear and appropriate, but not particularly vivid. Mrs. Spafford is a product of her environment and her religon. She rose to positions of power where she achieved a significant level of influence through her skillful use of communication.

Degree

College and Department

Fine Arts and Communications; Communications

Rights

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