Building rapport is the process of establishing a connection or relationship with someone else. It is usually based on shared experiences or views, including a shared sense of humor. Rapport is the foundation of meaningful, close, and harmonious relationships between people. It is a state of harmonious understanding with another individual or group. When you build rapport, you establish a connection between yourself and someone else, which can make the other person feel respected, heard, and seen.
Rapport is important in both our professional and personal lives. It helps to build trust, establish effective communication, and develop great relationships with team members. Good rapport often starts with small talk, but it can develop into a meaningful conversation chock-full of open-ended questions that engage and build great relationships.
Here are some tips for building rapport:
- Be empathetic: Try to understand the other persons perspective and feelings.
- Be a good listener: Listen actively and show interest in what the other person is saying.
- Find common ground: Look for shared interests or experiences that you can talk about.
- Be positive: Maintain a positive attitude and try to find the good in people.
- Use open-ended questions: Ask questions that encourage the other person to share more about themselves.
- Be authentic: Be yourself and show genuine interest in the other person.
Building rapport takes time and effort, but it can lead to meaningful and lasting relationships.
