How does empathy improve the communication process?

a$.$ Empathy helps the speaker focus on what the listener would like to hear.

b$.$ Empathy helps the listener focus on the speaker's actual words.

c$.$ Empathy helps the listener get rid of preconceived notions of what the speaker is trying to say.

d$.$ Empathy helps the speaker get rid of preconceived notions of what the listener is trying to hear.