When considering rhetoric, there are so many buzzwords that are almost always associated. Whether it be "persuasion", "style", "tone", or "arrangement", do you ever stop to consider listening skills? I mean, what does listening have to do with rhetoric?
In an article written by Crowley and Hawhee titled "Ancient Rhetorics: Their Differences and the Differences They Make," the authors made a point of Republican Joe Wilson and his iconic "You lie!" shout during President Obama's congressional speech. According to the authors, Wilson's outburst proved his inability to engage rhetorically due to his lack of listening and digestion of Obama's argument. In the past, as part of rhetoric, it was essential for people to listen and digest an argument before they carefully articulated their own rebuttal.
Nowadays, many are outspoken and willing to participate in debate and argument. However, it's more common now to see people try to prove themselves as right or shove an opinion down someone's throat rather than choosing to listen and digest in order to craft a response. Like Wilson, many are accustomed to voicing their thoughts whenever they feel.
Even in silence, are we really listening? Although the other person has been given the floor and opportunity to voice themselves, are we taking the time to consider their points? Or, do you find yourself only paying attention to the parts of the argument that we can best refute? And once you hear these parts, do you find yourself crafting your own rebuttal as they continue; ready to start your attack once they finish?
For most of us, I would say the answer to my last two questions are yes. It's something we have all experienced. Crowley and Hawhee would most likely agree as well as they would consider our generation as one without a keen ear.
Although we might not consider having a close ear to argument as part of rhetoric, it definitely is. I would agree that it is important for us to sit on the words of others. To respect their opinions and hear them out rather than shut them down and push your own. Maybe if we worked toward listening, we could practice the same kind of rhetoric as our predecessors.
Nowadays, many are outspoken and willing to participate in debate and argument. However, it's more common now to see people try to prove themselves as right or shove an opinion down someone's throat rather than choosing to listen and digest in order to craft a response. Like Wilson, many are accustomed to voicing their thoughts whenever they feel.
Even in silence, are we really listening? Although the other person has been given the floor and opportunity to voice themselves, are we taking the time to consider their points? Or, do you find yourself only paying attention to the parts of the argument that we can best refute? And once you hear these parts, do you find yourself crafting your own rebuttal as they continue; ready to start your attack once they finish?
For most of us, I would say the answer to my last two questions are yes. It's something we have all experienced. Crowley and Hawhee would most likely agree as well as they would consider our generation as one without a keen ear.
Although we might not consider having a close ear to argument as part of rhetoric, it definitely is. I would agree that it is important for us to sit on the words of others. To respect their opinions and hear them out rather than shut them down and push your own. Maybe if we worked toward listening, we could practice the same kind of rhetoric as our predecessors.
Norma, I think this nuance of rhetoric is especially relatable for our generation. I find that when I speak people are not really listening. Many times, those who I'm talking with have missed the whole point and are simply just trying to make their own argument. I agree that listening is a huge part of rhetoric and it is important to digest someone's argument before articulating a comeback of your own. The amount of listening the audience is engaging with definitely shapes their response to the speaker.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the mark on this one. Personally, I have often focused more on what I want to say in response rather than the argument being presented to me. I think this sentiment holds especially true in today's political field. Hopefully others will realize the importance of listening.
ReplyDeleteI love your emphasis on listening, Norma! I tried an exercise once that required me to think of my favorite three movies and why it was that I liked these movies. Before I could say what my favorite movies were, I had to listen to someone else tell me their favorites, why they liked them, and then summarize their movies, reasonings, and respond with a question or analysis of the person's choice in movies. The goal of the exercise was to practice active listening even if you very much want to speak. I actually found myself getting irritated because I had to listen to multiple people without giving my own response, and the person conducting the exercise almost forgot to let me share my favorites with another person. Now, the topic of expressing your favorite movies might seem trivial, but I was rather amazed at the power behind my voice and wanting to speak even when I was instructed to actively listen to others first.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great commentary! I guess I never stopped to fully understand someone's full side of an argument once I started thinking about what I would say back to them. I like how you phrased this blog, and I agree with you that our society tends to focus on who's right rather than what they have to say. Listening is important!
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