7.3 Building trust and rapport with interview subjects

Building trust and rapport is crucial for successful interviews. It's all about creating a comfortable environment where subjects feel safe to open up and share their stories honestly.

Mastering nonverbal cues, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are key skills. By focusing on these techniques, interviewers can establish authentic connections that lead to more meaningful and insightful conversations with their subjects.

Nonverbal Communication

Interpreting and Using Body Language

Top images from around the web for Interpreting and Using Body Language

• 

  Frontiers | Postural Communication of Emotion: Perception of Distinct Poses of Five Discrete ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Expressing and Recognizing Emotion | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Advice on the use of gestures in presentation skills manuals: alignment between theory, research ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Postural Communication of Emotion: Perception of Distinct Poses of Five Discrete ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Expressing and Recognizing Emotion | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Interpreting and Using Body Language

• 

  Frontiers | Postural Communication of Emotion: Perception of Distinct Poses of Five Discrete ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Expressing and Recognizing Emotion | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Advice on the use of gestures in presentation skills manuals: alignment between theory, research ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Postural Communication of Emotion: Perception of Distinct Poses of Five Discrete ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Expressing and Recognizing Emotion | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Body language encompasses posture, gestures, and facial expressions
• Open posture with uncrossed arms signals receptiveness and encourages open communication
• Leaning slightly forward demonstrates engagement and interest in the conversation
• Mirroring interviewee's body language builds connection and rapport (subtle mimicry of posture or gestures)
• Hand gestures can emphasize points or convey emotions, but should be used sparingly to avoid distraction
• Facial expressions communicate emotions and reactions, requiring awareness to maintain neutrality when necessary

Effective Use of Eye Contact

• Eye contact establishes connection and shows attentiveness to the interviewee
• Maintaining appropriate eye contact varies across cultures (direct eye contact in Western cultures, indirect in some Asian cultures)
• Aim for 60-70% eye contact during conversations in most Western contexts
• Break eye contact periodically to avoid making the interviewee uncomfortable
• Use eye contact to encourage elaboration on topics by maintaining gaze when the interviewee pauses
• Observe interviewee's eye movements for nonverbal cues (looking up may indicate recalling information, looking down might suggest discomfort)

Active Listening

Techniques for Active Listening

• Focus entirely on the speaker, avoiding distractions or preparing responses while they speak
• Use verbal and nonverbal cues to show engagement (nodding, saying "mm-hmm" or "I see")
• Paraphrase key points to confirm understanding and show attentiveness
• Ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding and encourage elaboration
• Avoid interrupting the speaker, allowing them to complete their thoughts
• Practice reflective listening by summarizing the speaker's message in your own words

Cultivating Empathy and Respect

• Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the interviewee
• Develop empathy by imagining yourself in the interviewee's position
• Demonstrate empathy through validating statements (That must have been challenging for you)
• Show respect by valuing the interviewee's time, opinions, and experiences
• Address the interviewee by their preferred name and title
• Respect cultural differences in communication styles and personal boundaries
• Acknowledge the interviewee's expertise or unique perspective on the topic

Building Rapport

Establishing Trust Through Self-disclosure and Authenticity

• Self-disclosure involves sharing appropriate personal information to create connection
• Begin with lighter topics before moving to more personal or sensitive subjects
• Share relevant experiences that relate to the interview topic
• Authenticity requires being genuine in your interactions and reactions
• Admit when you don't know something instead of pretending to understand
• Use natural language and avoid jargon to create a comfortable atmosphere
• Show genuine interest in the interviewee's responses through follow-up questions

Navigating Cultural Sensitivity and Confidentiality

• Cultural sensitivity involves respecting and adapting to diverse cultural norms
• Research the interviewee's cultural background before the interview when possible
• Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles (direct vs indirect)
• Avoid assumptions based on stereotypes or generalizations
• Confidentiality builds trust and encourages honest responses
• Clearly explain how the interview information will be used and stored
• Obtain informed consent for recording or publishing interview content
• Respect the interviewee's right to decline answering certain questions
• Protect the interviewee's identity when requested or necessary (using pseudonyms)