Rhetorical Listening

Rhetorical listening expands the mind's boundaries in communication. Instead of just hearing someone, rhetorical listening encourages being active in thought. One listens with the intent of finding what is not being said instead of listening for the obvious intent of the speaker or author. Rhetorical listening is important because it enriches a listener's experience. Through this method, deeper thoughts occur, deeper questions emerge, and more is taken away from the conversation or reading. Since more knowledge is gained using this technique, active listening or rhetorical listening should expand past the classroom because the classroom should not be the only appropriate place where people gain knowledge. Ideally, everyone would be an active listener. This would lead to many more open-minded and understanding individuals. However, active listening is especially beneficial in the classroom because when one wrestles with new information instead of just accepting it, they more easily remember the material. It also teaches them to think critically and to form their own opinions.

As a teacher, rhetorical listening would certainly be a valuable means of understanding my students. I have to know how they think so I can effectively teach them. I have to know what they are saying so I can help them understand. To challenge each individual, I must be an active listener to engage in meaningful conversation. This will make communication more profitable and will ultimately benefit them.

On a day to day basis, active listening makes one a better debater. Understanding the audience is key to arguing because what one says must make sense in the terms of the listener. Rhetorical listening gives one the tools to understand the audience so it greatly helps in arguing. Listening with this method also helps in arguments because it keeps the mind engaged and alert. Nothing will come as a surprise because in active listening, one already knows the mind of the other person or author.