This article calls for an emphasis on "public listening" within civic education as a means of confronting and reversing negative trends in American public discourse. After providing a working definition of "public listening," I offer the perspective that communication educators and "Communication Education" scholars are in a unique position to lead the way towards a rebalancing of our public discourse. While a traditional "public speaking" course may not be the most effective way to develop "public listening" skills, this article points to semester-length courses and workshop-based learning as two possible avenues for increased emphasis on "public listening."