Building rapport

Definition

Building rapport refers to the process of establishing a positive and trusting relationship with someone, which is crucial in effective communication. This connection enhances comfort and openness, allowing for deeper conversations and insights. It's especially important in interactions where understanding, empathy, and engagement are needed to gather information and tell compelling stories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building rapport can lead to more candid responses from interviewees, as they feel safer sharing their thoughts.
2. It often involves mirroring body language or vocal tones to create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
3. Establishing rapport at the beginning of an interview sets a positive tone for the entire conversation.
4. Using open-ended questions can facilitate rapport by encouraging interviewees to express themselves freely.
5. Active listening is a key component of building rapport, showing genuine interest and engagement in what the interviewee is saying.

Review Questions

• How does building rapport influence the quality of responses you receive during an interview?
  • Building rapport significantly influences the quality of responses during an interview because it creates an environment of trust and comfort. When interviewees feel a connection with the interviewer, they are more likely to share personal stories and insights. This openness leads to richer content that can enhance the storytelling aspect of journalism.
• Discuss how nonverbal communication plays a role in building rapport with an interviewee.
  • Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in building rapport as it can convey warmth and understanding without words. Body language such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, or leaning slightly forward can signal attentiveness and empathy. These nonverbal cues help create a welcoming atmosphere, making the interviewee feel valued and understood, which fosters a better connection.
• Evaluate the long-term benefits of developing strong rapport-building skills for a television news reporter.
  • Developing strong rapport-building skills offers long-term benefits for television news reporters by enhancing their ability to connect with diverse individuals over time. This skill can lead to more reliable sources, exclusive interviews, and deeper insights into complex stories. Additionally, strong rapport fosters a network of trust that can result in increased collaboration, making it easier to gather information in future assignments and solidifying the reporter's reputation in the industry.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, crucial for connecting with interviewees.

Trust: The belief in the reliability or truth of someone; essential for fostering open dialogue during interviews.

Nonverbal Communication: The transmission of messages or information without words, often through body language, which can significantly affect rapport.