Performed and spoke gripping edges of page (8)
I believe the answer is:
operated
'performed' is the definition.
'spoke gripping edges of page' is the wordplay.
'spoke' becomes 'orated' (orating is a kind of speaking).
'gripping' indicates putting letters inside.
'edges of' means to remove the middle letters.
'page' with its centre removed is 'pe'.
'orated' placed around 'pe' is 'OPERATED'.
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for operated that I've seen before include "Functioned" , "Adore pet (anag.)" , "Performed surgery or worked a machine" , "ran" , "'Directed or controlled, machinery say (8)'" .)