Final answer:
Good listeners do indeed encourage the speaker by paying close attention, showing empathy, and understanding the speaker's perspective before responding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that good listeners encourage the speaker is true. Like good readers who engage with the text, good listeners actively process what the speaker is saying. They pay attention to the speaker's emotions and thoughts, conveyed not only through words but also through tone, body language, and emphasized points. Good listeners demonstrate empathy and understanding by using facial expressions and gestures that show they are following and empathizing with the speaker's storyline. Before responding with advice or comments, they fully absorb the speaker's perspective, showing an emotional connection and placing the speaker's concerns at the forefront of the conversation. This attentive behavior validates the speaker and generally encourages them to continue sharing their thoughts and feelings.