There are many ways to do this, but one of the first things to do is put yourself in their shoes (or sandals if you prefer). How would you like to be treated if you were coming in for help? Tutors are not the pagan gods of literature. They do not know everything and should not act as if they do. I know I have put off papers to the last minute before, and sometimes there is no way to avoid that (especially if that cute girl from your botany class calls). A tutor should not act arrogant about the situation; he or she should come across as understanding. Almost everyone has procrastinated on papers at sometime in their school career, and, if you haven’t, get out and live a little. Sometimes there are more important things (like that cute girl). Maybe their professor will give them an extension. Either way, it is not the end of the world. Possibly some yoga breathing techniques could help them out. With the time you have, work as much as possible on the tutees’ writing and don’t worry that they came too late to fix any major problems.

The tutees who are unsure about their writing need you to give them a little confidence. Maybe they are uncomfortable going over their paper with other people around during the session. Think how you feel when someone else is reading your writing. The tutor should pick a quiet spot away from anyone else, like perhaps the grass outside if it is a nice day. Don’t forget to give compliments, even if the only admiration is that you like the font they used when they misspelled their title and every other word in their paper. You should be positive and focus first on the good points to get the tutee’s confidence level up. You can even put stickers next to the good points. Everyone loves a gold star.

In some cultures, it is encouraged to be reserved and quiet. Also, some people are just shy people, and a tutor should be respectful of these factors. The more boisterous person could tone things down a little and remember that some people are intimidated by vivaciousness. Do not talk directly up in the tutee’s face; give them ample space during the tutoring session. The last thing you want to do is add to any feelings of discomfort.

This brings up the issue of personal hygiene. Because you are working close to people whom you are trying to help, it is important that you appear professional. This means to make sure not to wear your favorite ragged hooded sweatshirt, and tuck those dreadlocks up in a bandana. Some people could feel uneasy about these things. I’m not advocating conservatism, just common things like keeping your Birkenstocks on while you do your session and brushing your teeth before you get there. This could add so much to the experience.

Another way to put your tutee at ease is at the start of the tutoring session to introduce yourself with a smile. Break the ice by asking how they are doing or how their weekend went, or if they want some of your low fat granola. A tutor should be friendly, even if you have had the worst of days. The tutee doesn’t care that your tie-dyes were stolen out of your Volkswagen; they have enough to worry about. Starting off politely and friendly can help the tutee relax and be more comfortable with sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings in writing. A tutee is also more likely to accept the notion that the tutor is offering constructive criticism—not just paper bashing—thus allowing them to improve their writing and the paper.

Following some of these simple guidelines could perhaps benefit your tutoring experience and more importantly, help the tutee to understand better the task of writing. It is important that you are working for the benefit of others and they are being kept in mind throughout the whole session. This way the tutee will walk away a more competent writer and hopefully with an improved paper. You will then walk away to go find that jerk who stole your tie-dyes.