Any discussion of the dimensions of contemporary political campaigning would not be complete without some consideration of heckling; for heckling, or the questioning of a speaker while he is in the act of speaking, has become a salient element on the political scene. In attempting to diminish the heckler's impact, the speaker usually appeals to one of two segments of the audience. He may direct his response to his supporters as the intended auditors, or he may respond in an attempt to effect change in the actions of the hecklers themselves. Counter techniques principally designed for his supporters' confirmation include such measures as ridiculing the antagonists, turning the tables on them, and using the hecklers as an example. Counter techniques mainly aimed at altering the hecklers' perceptions include preaching or scolding, teaching, disarming, defying, and counter threatening. The fitting response selected by the speaker must take into account the rhetorical situation. (WR)