Building Rapport

Definition

Building rapport is the process of establishing a positive, trusting relationship between an interviewer and a source. This connection is essential for effective communication and encourages sources, especially those who are reluctant or hostile, to open up and share information more freely. A strong rapport creates a safe environment where the source feels respected and valued, which can lead to more honest and insightful responses during interviews.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building rapport can involve common techniques such as finding shared interests or using open body language to create a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Establishing rapport helps in overcoming initial resistance from reluctant or hostile sources, making them feel more comfortable during the interview process.
3. It’s important to maintain professionalism while building rapport; being too casual might undermine credibility.
4. Building rapport can take time, but even small gestures like remembering names or showing genuine interest can make a significant difference.
5. Successful rapport can lead to sources providing richer and more nuanced information, which is especially valuable in investigative reporting.

Review Questions

• How does building rapport help in interviewing sources who may be initially reluctant to share information?
  • Building rapport helps interviewers connect with reluctant sources by creating a sense of trust and safety. When sources feel that they have a good relationship with the interviewer, they are more likely to open up and share their thoughts or experiences. This connection can make it easier for the interviewer to navigate sensitive topics and encourage more honest dialogue.
• What techniques can be employed to build rapport with hostile sources, and how do these techniques differ from those used with willing sources?
  • To build rapport with hostile sources, interviewers should focus on demonstrating empathy and active listening while remaining calm and respectful. Techniques may include validating the source's feelings, using non-confrontational language, and finding common ground. Unlike willing sources who may respond positively to friendliness, hostile sources may require more structured approaches that emphasize respect and understanding before moving into deeper discussions.
• Evaluate the long-term benefits of building rapport in reporting beyond just the immediate interview experience.
  • Building rapport has long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate interview. It lays the foundation for ongoing relationships with sources who may provide valuable insights in future stories. A strong rapport can enhance the reporter's reputation, leading to increased trust within communities and among other potential sources. This established trust often results in better access to information and greater willingness from sources to cooperate over time, enriching the overall quality of reporting.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, helping to create a deeper connection during conversations.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to what the other person is saying, which can enhance rapport.

Trust-building: The process of gaining the confidence of another person, often through consistent actions and transparency, crucial for effective interviews.