It has been estimated that it takes only three or four minutes for the average person to form a positive or negative first impression. Make that first meeting with your tutee a positive experience. Be consistent in body, voice and words. Initiate eye contact. Listen with your body by smiling and nodding your head.
Nonverbal messages are the most powerful form of communication.
Take the communication skills test and find out how your communication skills rank. Establishing rapport with your tutee is very important. You can help create a good rapport by listening patiently and remaining open to what the tutee has to say. It is also important to know why the student has requested tutoring. Some students know exactly where they are having trouble.