First Mormon Joseph Smith, Jr.'s Pulpit Rhetoric: The King Follett Discourse.

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) set the doctrinal table of Mormonism through his revelations, other writings, and oral discourse. Despite the unorthodox nature of Smith's ideas and his initial lack of oratorical skills, the church he founded has flourished despite determined opposition. This essay reviews Smith's rhetorical development, including a review of the doctrinally rich King Follett Discourse through the critical lens of Walter Fisher's narrative paradigm, to account, at least in part, for the appeal of Smith and his ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]