Final answer:
The statement is false as listeners' attitudes indeed affect their ability to listen.
A negative attitude can lead to selective hearing, while a positive one can enhance engagement and understanding. Effective communication requires being aware of these effects to promote better listening.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that listeners' attitudes toward a topic rarely affect their ability to listen is false. In fact, a listener's attitude can significantly influence both their willingness to listen and their ability to understand the message being conveyed.
If a listener has a negative attitude toward a topic, they may be less receptive and may even display selective hearing, focusing on certain points while ignoring others that don't align with their beliefs or interests.
For example, in a discussion about climate change, if a listener already has strong opinions against the validity of climate change, they might not listen to evidence supporting its existence thoroughly and may even misinterpret or dismiss the information. Similarly, a positive attitude can enhance engagement and facilitate a deeper understanding of the topic.
Therefore, it is essential for effective communication that both the speaker and listener acknowledge the impact of attitudes on listening. This awareness can help in developing strategies to foster more open and unbiased listening practices.