Trust and rapport

Definition

Trust and rapport refer to the mutual respect and understanding that develop between a journalist and their sources or subjects. This relationship is crucial for narrative journalism, as it allows for deeper insights, emotional connections, and more authentic storytelling compared to traditional reporting, where interactions may be more transactional and less personal.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building trust and rapport is essential in narrative journalism because it enables journalists to access more personal stories and insights from their subjects.
2. Unlike traditional reporting, where interviews may be brief and formal, narrative journalism often involves longer conversations that foster deeper connections.
3. Trust allows sources to feel comfortable sharing sensitive or intimate details that can enrich a story and provide valuable context.
4. Rapport can lead to ongoing relationships with sources, allowing journalists to return for follow-up stories or updates, creating a richer narrative over time.
5. Establishing trust and rapport requires time and effort from journalists, often involving multiple interactions before a source feels comfortable sharing their story.

Review Questions

• How does building trust and rapport with sources enhance the quality of storytelling in narrative journalism?
  • Building trust and rapport allows journalists to create deeper connections with their subjects, leading to more authentic stories filled with emotional depth. When sources feel comfortable sharing their experiences, they provide richer details that can transform a simple narrative into a compelling story. This process contrasts with traditional reporting, where surface-level interactions often limit the depth of insight into the subject matter.
• What are some specific techniques that journalists can use to establish trust and rapport with their sources?
  • Journalists can establish trust and rapport through active listening, showing genuine interest in their subjects' stories, and maintaining transparency about their intentions. Additionally, employing empathy allows journalists to connect on a personal level, making sources feel valued and understood. Using open-ended questions encourages subjects to share more about their experiences, further solidifying the relationship.
• Evaluate the impact of strong trust and rapport on the ethical responsibilities of narrative journalists when reporting sensitive topics.
  • Strong trust and rapport heighten a journalist's ethical responsibilities when reporting on sensitive topics because it creates an obligation to protect their sources' well-being. Journalists must navigate the fine line between telling compelling stories and respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved. This relationship means that when a source shares vulnerable information, the journalist has an ethical duty to handle that information sensitively while remaining truthful in their storytelling.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which helps in building trust and rapport.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the other person is saying, essential for establishing rapport.

Interview Techniques: Methods used by journalists to engage with sources effectively, which can enhance trust and rapport during the reporting process.