Read the following excerpt from a speech:
fellow employees, i know our sales are down this year.
perhaps you, like many of us, have been working harder
than ever and feel that you are not gaining any ground. i
assure you that things will improve: sales will improve, the
company will improve, and your skills will improve. but
trust me when i tell you that i understand how difficult the
past few months have been
which statement best explains why the final sentence is effective?

a. it acknowledges the reality of a stressful situation.

b. it appeals to the audience's sense of common purpose.

c. it makes the case for employees to work harder.

d. it dismisses the concerns of pessimistic listeners.