how to build rapport

What is rapport? Why would you want to create it and how can it assist you in creating trust in relationships ?

Lets start with a definition of rapport.

Rapport is a state where you not only trust but also understand the person or persons that you are interacting with. It is that state in which you feel connected and often you will complete each others sentences. I'm sure you have experienced this at some point in your life.The other person will also feel understood and will trust you too.

So, why would you want to be able to create a state of rapport ?

Well, there are many reasons. The most important one is that rapport makes life feel easier. Imagine all of your relationships, where you don't have trust or understanding and transforming them into friendships.

Imagine having lots of people that you can trust in your life and who not only understand your point of view, they also respect it. How good is that going to feel ?

Rapport has value in it's ability to reduce the stress you may be experiencing in your daily life. At work, in social situations and with your family or loved ones.

So how do you create rapport ? Well there are several things that you can do.

Lets start with the way that you talk to someone.

If you match the speed that they speak, the volume and the tone, you're going to go a long way towards creating rapport with them. If you also use similar language or words that will take you even further.

What about body language ? I'm sure you've heard about this.

If you match the body posture of the person you're talking to and the gestures they use by mirroring or matching them ( This will come up in my next post ) they are going to feel really comfortable with you.

Another thing you can do is to match their breathing. That is to say if you inhale and exhale at the same time they do you will be in a state of deep rapport.

You can use these techniques individually as you practise them, and then add others as your confidence grows. It would probably be better to grow your skills slowly. This will allow you to improve as you go and will save you the trouble of having to learn everything from scratch again.

Stay tuned as I teach you even more communication skills that will make your life more enjoyable.