Rapport building

Definition

Rapport building is the process of establishing a positive, trusting relationship between a journalist and their interviewee. This connection is crucial for creating an environment where the interviewee feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences openly, which ultimately leads to richer and more insightful interviews.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective rapport building can lead to more honest and detailed responses from interviewees, enhancing the quality of the journalism produced.
2. Using empathy and showing genuine interest in the interviewee's story can significantly strengthen the rapport.
3. Common techniques for building rapport include mirroring body language, maintaining eye contact, and using open-ended questions to encourage discussion.
4. A strong rapport can help journalists navigate difficult or sensitive topics by creating a safe space for interviewees to express themselves.
5. Building rapport should begin before the formal interview starts; small talk or casual conversation can lay the groundwork for a trusting relationship.

Review Questions

• How does rapport building enhance the quality of interviews in audio journalism?
  • Rapport building enhances the quality of interviews by creating a trusting environment where interviewees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. When a journalist establishes a positive connection with the interviewee, it encourages them to open up more and provide deeper insights. This leads to richer narratives and a better understanding of the subject matter, ultimately benefiting the storytelling aspect of audio journalism.
• What strategies can a journalist use to effectively build rapport with an interviewee?
  • A journalist can use several strategies to effectively build rapport with an interviewee, such as engaging in active listening, demonstrating empathy, and using open-ended questions. Additionally, mirroring body language and maintaining eye contact can create a sense of connection. Starting with small talk or casual conversation before diving into the main interview can also help set a comfortable tone, making it easier for the interviewee to share their story.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of poor rapport building on audio journalism outcomes.
  • Poor rapport building can have significant long-term impacts on audio journalism outcomes by leading to superficial interviews and limited insights. When journalists fail to establish trust with their interviewees, they may receive guarded or incomplete responses that hinder the storytelling process. This lack of depth can result in weaker narratives and potentially misrepresent the subject matter. In turn, it may damage relationships with sources and affect future journalistic endeavors if interviewees feel uncomfortable or disrespected during interactions.

Related terms

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying.

Trust: The firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone, which is essential for fostering open communication during interviews.

Nonverbal Communication: The process of conveying meaning through body language, facial expressions, and gestures, which plays a significant role in rapport building.