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.
Holding gaze: eye-to-eye attraction.
Listening: A powerful method of creating a bond.
Mirroring: Direct copying of their actions.
Matching: Indirect copying of actions.
Open honesty: Exposing your own vulnerability.
Paraphrasing: Rephrasing in your own words.
Parroting: Simple repetition of what they say.
Reflecting verbal style: Use their overall modes of speech.
Reflecting words: Echo individual words they say.
Synergizing: Combine ideas for an even better idea.
Use their name: Show you know them.

Building rapport

See also