what is a rapport

Rapport is a close and harmonious relationship between people or groups in which they are "in sync" with each other, understand each others feelings or ideas, and communicate smoothly. The word "rapport" comes from the French verb "rapporter," which means to carry something back, in the sense of how people relate to each other: what one person sends out, the other sends back. People with rapport may share similar values, beliefs, knowledge, or behaviors around politics, music, or sports, and engage in reciprocal behaviors such as posture mirroring or increased coordination in their verbal and nonverbal interactions. Establishing rapport is necessary in social relationships such as friendship and romantic relationships, as it can build trust, increase feelings of closeness, and eliminate certain misunderstandings. Building rapport is the process of developing a connection with someone else, which can happen naturally or consciously by finding common ground and being empathic.