Final answer:
The statement is (b) false; an empathetic listener pays attention to both the literal and emotional content of communication, using strong communication skills to build rapport and engage constructively with the speaker.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an empathetic listener focuses on the literal content of the communication but not on the emotional content is false. An empathetic listener prioritizes understanding both the literal and emotional content of a conversation. They listen to the speaker's emotions, ideas, meaning, tone, and body language, and respond without judgment, showing that they are advancing emotionally alongside the speaker. Empathetic listening involves taking the identity of the listener out of the equation and focusing intently on the speaker's perspective and concerns, without interrupting or expressing premature reactions.
Good communication skills are demonstrated not only by the ability to clearly present ideas but also by the ability to listen well. Empathetic listeners are adept at picking up on the underlying emotions behind a speaker's words and managing their own emotional responses appropriately, thereby building rapport and engaging in constructive dialogue.