Instant Rapport with Participants

Bringing in participants to evaluate your product is an auspicious and very opportune point in the development cycle that should not be squandered If for some reason a participant is not at ease and is not able to function as he or she normally would, it represents a lost opportunity and potentially misleading results. If you are able to test only five participants, one uneasy participant represents a potential loss of 20 percent of your test data. The test moderator's ability to quickly size up each participant's personality, make

friends, and put the person at ease is essential to getting the most from the testing process. Some participants need coddling, some need stroking, and some are businesslike and require a more formal approach. Whichever the case, the test moderator must make each person feel comfortable and secure.