Dennis, I think comments that convey the instructor was once a student and may have experienced similar personal challenges is helpful to bringing a closer student connection. For some reason, students seem to enjoy stories. Integrating stories into the lesson can be accomplished with case studies, discussing past good and bad work situations, or stories that illustrate a point in the lesson. In all settings, we have to be genuine versions of ourselves or else students may perceive our instruction is a performance, which may diminish trust and respect by students. Barry Westling