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In contrast to monologue, in which we try merely to impose what we think on another person or group of people, dialogic communication is the open sharing of ideas in an atmosphere of respect.⁷ For the speaker, this means approaching a speech not as an argument that must be “won,” but as an opportunity to achieve understanding with audience members. For listeners, it means maintaining an open mind and listening with empathy.

Speakers and listeners are always responding to one another’s signals—whether of interest or disinterest, agreement or disagreement, and so forth. This continual adjustment between speaker and listener is called the feedback loop.⁸ As a listener, you can encourage dialogic communication and a positive feedback loop by approaching the speaker with an attitude of openness and giving him or her your full attention. This in turn will enable the speaker to deliver the message without impediment.