Establishing trust

Definition

Establishing trust is the process of creating a sense of reliability and confidence between an interviewer and the interviewee. It involves fostering an environment where the interviewee feels safe and valued, which can lead to more honest and open communication. Trust is crucial in handling difficult interviewees, as it can significantly influence their willingness to share information and engage in meaningful dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Establishing trust is especially important when interviewing difficult subjects, as it can lead to more open and honest responses.
2. Using open-ended questions can help create a dialogue that fosters trust by encouraging interviewees to share their thoughts more freely.
3. Non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact and using a calm tone of voice, play a significant role in establishing trust during interviews.
4. Building trust can take time, so it's essential to be patient and consistent in your approach, especially with interviewees who may be wary or defensive.
5. Active listening not only helps in gathering information but also demonstrates respect and attentiveness, which can enhance the sense of trust between interviewer and interviewee.

Review Questions

• How does establishing trust impact the quality of information obtained from difficult interviewees?
  • Establishing trust significantly enhances the quality of information obtained from difficult interviewees because it encourages them to be more open and honest. When interviewees feel that they can trust the interviewer, they are more likely to share sensitive information or insights that they might otherwise withhold. This open communication can lead to richer narratives and a deeper understanding of their perspectives.
• In what ways can an interviewer actively demonstrate their intention to establish trust during challenging interviews?
  • An interviewer can actively demonstrate their intention to establish trust by using techniques like active listening, showing empathy, and maintaining open body language. For instance, nodding while the interviewee speaks signals engagement and understanding. Additionally, asking clarifying questions shows that the interviewer values the interviewee's input. These actions collectively create a safe space where difficult subjects feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
• Evaluate the long-term benefits of establishing trust with difficult interviewees in terms of journalistic integrity and relationship building.
  • Establishing trust with difficult interviewees has significant long-term benefits for journalistic integrity and relationship building. When journalists foster trust, they not only gather more accurate information but also cultivate a reputation for reliability, which can lead to future opportunities for interviews. Trust enhances the credibility of journalism by ensuring that stories are based on genuine insights rather than manipulated narratives. Moreover, positive relationships with sources can lead to exclusive insights over time, further enriching journalistic content.

Related terms

rapport: A harmonious relationship characterized by understanding and mutual respect, often essential for effective communication.

active listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying, which helps build trust.

empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, crucial for connecting with difficult interviewees and establishing a trusting relationship.