I can't teach effectively unless I communicate in ways the student can understand. So though I will always try to make a student think through the process, my philosophy is to do what's necessary for students to understand the logical steps to an answer.

Small talk. For challenging topics, I want to figure out how the student thinks. I also want to set the stage that I always try to make the student think.

By guiding them to find answers on their own. I want them to learn how to ask themselves the right questions.

Press when needed. Pull back when needed. Break when needed. Have fun when needed. Set stern goals when needed.

I'd spend as much time as possible trying to figure out what is the logical fallacy in why a student can't understand. Then my goal would be to make everything in terms of something they can understand.

Ask them to tell me what they read. Then ask them to explain to me what they read in their terms. With special regard to word problems, my favorite questions are "So, what does this question say it's asking for? What information does it give you? How would you start this?"

Joking around and using weird examples.

I try to find a way to show them why the subject is useful. If not, then try to make a goal with a prize at the end of some kind.

My technique is mainly for the student to walk me through a problem in their own terms and ask specific questions that are critical to logically solving a question. I also will intentionally say something incorrect and ask the student why I'm wrong.

The way I build confidence strongly depends on the type of student. I try to encourage in a way that gets the best response.

For a particular topic, I ask probing questions into how the problem is solved in their mind.

I always seek to communicate on their terms as much as possible by using whatever language/terminology/examples they best understand.

Anything and everything. Videos, regular writing tools, music, props...if it's there, and I think it'll get the point across, I'll use it.