Have you noticed that there are some people who you just 'click' with, and then there are some who you don't? It will generally depend on whether you are in 'rapport' with them or not.
We often build rapport unconsciously, yet if you notice there isn't a connection between you and the other person, and would like there to be one, then you can make a conscious effort to build rapport.
In the dictionary, 'rapport' is defined as 'communication, relationships, connections', therefore building rapport is about finding connections, communicating and building relationships.
Whether you run your own business, a home or work with a team, you will find it useful to know how to build rapport.
Rapport is the basis for communicating effectively and in particular can help you to:
- Make the other person feel understood
- Put others at ease
- Show respect
- Get on their level
- Talk their 'language'
- Build trust
In the business world, people are not just buying your product or service, they are buying YOU, and if you're looking to grow your business by attracting new clients, then building and developing rapport is essential.
When you actively build rapport, you're sending out a message to your potential client to say that you're similar to them, and we like people who are like us.
If you're not connecting with another person, it's usually because there is some kind of flaw in your communication – either how you are projecting yourself, or how you are perceiving the other person.
Research tells us that in face to face communication, your message is communicated in the following proportions:
- 55% physiology (your posture and how you feel)
- 38% tone of voice
- 7% the words you use
To create rapport and demonstrate that we understand and respect the other person's model of the world, and to be like that person, we need to subtly match and mirror that person. You can match their physiology, their tone and words.
