Building Rapport: The Psychological Techniques Journalists Use to Establish Trust with Interview Subjects
Sr No:
Page No:
76-82
Language:
English
Authors:
Dr. Heavens Ugochukwu Obasi*
Received:
2025-05-19
Accepted:
2025-06-01
Published Date:
2025-06-04
Abstract:
This study takes a closer look at how journalists use various psychological tricks to
build a friendly connection and gain the trust of those they interview. You see, this trust is a vital
ingredient in the recipe of good journalism. The research dives into several methods - like active
listening, engaging with empathy, and even the silent language of body gestures - that help
create a cozy atmosphere for the interviewees. By talking with experienced journalists and
sifting through successful interviewing techniques detailed in past studies, we’ve managed to
pinpoint some important ingredients that help foster trust and openness. It turns out that having a
personal touch, being genuine and keeping a sense of ethics in their work are significant factors
in these successful interactions. What we discover from this study is that building rapport doesn't
just help in collecting quality information; it also encourages ethical practices in journalism. In
the grand scheme of things, understanding these psychological techniques assists journalists in
their path while also feeding into the larger conversation about trust and credibility in a world
overflowing with information.
Keywords:
Building Rapport, Journalism, Psychology, Interview, Empathy, Relationship