Instead of adopting or developing a theoretical or methodological approach to social movement study, researchers might benefit from gathering an understanding of a particular movement's history by narrowing the focus of the study for rhetorical analysis. Convention papers and journal articles should identify a specific stage, sub-group, person, or speech for rhetorical analysis. The changing needs and constraints of a social movement necessitate this approach. Differing stages or rhetors in a movement will present differing rhetorical strategies. For example, the Temperance Movement in the United States provides communication scholars with a complete protest movement. One approach would be to use a narrowed focus on a particular issue, such as Ohio's contribution to the Temperance Movement, particularly that of the two significant rhetorical forces of: (1) the Anti-Saloon League's American Issue Publishing Company; and (2) the Women's Christian Temperance Union's roots in Ohio. These two factors illustrate the rhetorical impact on the inception and growth of the movement. (KEH)