Building rapport

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Building rapport

'Rapport' is 'a feeling of sympathetic understanding', where two people feel a bond between one another, such that they will more easily trust one another.

• Active care: Don't wait to be asked.
• Co-location: Just be nearby.
• Encouraging: Getting them to speak.
• Be honest: Tell the truth.
• Have integrity: Even when it disadvantages you.
• Listening: A powerful method of creating a bond.
• Mirroring: Direct copying of their actions.
• Matching: Indirect copying of actions.
• Paraphrasing: Rephrasing in your own words.
• Parroting: Simple repetition of what they say.
• Passive care: Do no harm.
• Reflecting verbal style: Use their overall modes of speech.
• Reflecting words: Echo individual words they say.
• Reliability: Deliver on your promises.
• Respect them: Even when you disagree.
• Seek ideas: Be creative with them.
• Shared experiences: Do something challenging together.
• Show similarity: Show how you are like them.
• Synergizing: Combine ideas for an even better idea.
• Use their name: Show you know them.

See also