Establishing rapport

Definition

Establishing rapport is the process of creating a connection and mutual trust between the interviewer and the interviewee. This connection is essential for fostering open communication, encouraging candid responses, and ensuring that the interviewee feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and insights. Building rapport can significantly enhance the quality of information obtained during interviews with public officials and experts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building rapport can begin even before the formal interview starts, through small talk or establishing common interests to create a friendly atmosphere.
2. Establishing rapport is particularly important when interviewing public officials and experts who may be hesitant to share sensitive information without trust.
3. A good rapport can lead to more in-depth responses and valuable insights, as interviewees are more likely to open up when they feel comfortable.
4. Interviewers can establish rapport by mirroring the interviewee's body language and tone, which can create a sense of familiarity and understanding.
5. Effective rapport-building techniques can vary based on the individual being interviewed, so it's important for interviewers to adapt their approach accordingly.

Review Questions

• How does establishing rapport enhance the quality of interviews with public officials and experts?
  • Establishing rapport enhances interviews by creating an atmosphere of trust and comfort, which encourages public officials and experts to share more candidly. When interviewees feel understood and valued, they are more likely to provide in-depth responses and insights that might not emerge in a more formal or tense setting. This connection allows interviewers to access richer information, making the interviews more productive.
• Discuss specific techniques that can be used to establish rapport with an expert during an interview.
  • To establish rapport with an expert during an interview, techniques such as active listening, open body language, and showing genuine interest in their work can be very effective. Interviewers should engage in small talk before diving into serious topics to ease any tension. Additionally, asking open-ended questions that allow the expert to elaborate on their thoughts creates an inviting environment for dialogue.
• Evaluate the impact of poor rapport on the outcomes of interviews with public officials. How might this affect information accuracy and completeness?
  • Poor rapport can severely hinder the outcomes of interviews with public officials by creating an environment of distrust or discomfort. When interviewees do not feel at ease, they may provide vague answers or hold back critical information. This lack of openness can lead to incomplete or inaccurate reporting, ultimately undermining the credibility of the news organization. Establishing strong rapport is essential for ensuring that important insights are shared freely during these interactions.

Related terms

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee says, which helps in building rapport.

Nonverbal Communication: The use of body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey messages and emotions, playing a key role in establishing rapport.

Trust-Building: The process of developing a relationship based on trust and confidence, which is crucial in obtaining honest and insightful responses during interviews.