Final answer:
Good listeners ask questions, tolerate bad habits, and judge content over delivery errors; however, having preconceptions is not a characteristic of a good listener. The correct answer is option: b. having preconceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Good listeners exhibit several positive traits that facilitate effective communication and understanding. Among these are asking questions for clarification, tolerating occasional bad habits in the speaker's presentation, and focusing on judging the content of the message rather than any delivery errors the speaker may make.
However, having preconceptions, or preconceived notions about the topic or the speaker, is not a characteristic of a good listener. Preconceptions can create bias and prevent listeners from fully understanding or appreciating the speaker's point of view. Therefore, the correct answer to the question, "Good listeners exhibit all of the following characteristics EXCEPT," is b. having preconceptions.