What does Rapport mean -”It means a friendly relationship in which people understand each other very well

(Source(s):Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary)

 

Have you ever known someone who has a knack for connecting with people?

 

No matter who this person meets, he or she manages to create a sense of trust and understanding within a matter of minutes.

 

We can intuitively believe that this is a natural gift – either you can build rapport like this, or you can’t.

 

However that’s not necessarily correct rapport is a skill anyone can learn to use

 

So what is rapport?            - When there is mutual liking and trust

Why do we need rapport?  - To create a positive connection with new or existing team members.

 

Build good relationships with clients or suppliers.

Break the ice with new colleagues or with your boss when you start a new job.

Get support for your ideas and proposals.

In short, establishing rapport with people can open doors, create opportunities, and lead to excellent relationships.

Clearly, you can build rapport honestly, or you can use it cynically.

Good team working, for example, depends on good relationships. Honest rapport-building is great for developing these, and it benefits everyone.

However, if you’re building rapport to sell someone something that they wouldn’t otherwise want, or that will do them harm, then this is cynical and manipulative.

Watch out for this type of rapport-building – you may encounter it often!

There are several strategies and techniques that you can use to build rapport with others.

 

Find a Common Ground

Remember, any common ground can help establish rapport – it can even help to have an interest in someone’s life or hobbies, or to share similar beliefs and values.

It’s important to be sincere here; don’t make up an interest in something just to create rapport. Not only can this seem desperate; it can dent your credibility

Make a great Impression

How you dress is a key component of building and establishing rapport with someone.

Your appearance should help you connect with people; not create a barrier

Have Empathy

Empathy is about understanding other people by seeing things from their perspective, and by recognising their emotions. Once you achieve this, it’s easier to get “on their level.”

Mirroring

Mirroring is when you adjust your own body language and spoken language so that you “reflect” that of the person you’re talking to.

In developing rapport with others, you should also use the tried-and-true basics of good communication:

 

Shaking hands firmly, looking people in the eye, Smiling, Holding your head up, and maintaining good posture. Asking open-ended questions. Being sincere.

Facing the other person instead of looking at your computer screen or mobile device.

These form the foundation of great communication, and it’s hard to establish good rapport without them.

Although there will be times when you will need to build rapport with someone quickly, its best done as part of a longer-term relationship.

Using these techniques incorrectly or dishonestly can actually stop you building rapport with people

It’s important to use your best judgment when applying these techniques

Can you think of a time recently when you have known that you are in Rapport with a client or colleague?

Can you also think of a time recently when you know that, for whatever reason, you were not in Rapport with a client or colleague?

 

Something to think About!