How do you build rapport like a pro?

1 Listen actively

One of the best ways to build rapport is to listen actively to what the other person is saying. Active listening means paying attention, showing interest, and giving feedback. It also means avoiding distractions, interruptions, and judgments. When you listen actively, you show respect, empathy, and curiosity. You also learn more about the other person's needs, values, and emotions.

2 Mirror and match

Another technique to build rapport is to mirror and match the other person's body language, voice, and words. Mirroring and matching means subtly copying or adapting to their gestures, posture, tone, pace, and expressions. It also means using similar words, phrases, and metaphors. Mirroring and matching can create a sense of harmony, familiarity, and alignment. It can also help you avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

3 Find common ground

A third tip to build rapport is to find common ground with the other person. Common ground means anything that you have in common or that you can agree on. It can be personal or professional, such as hobbies, interests, experiences, values, goals, or opinions. Finding common ground can help you establish rapport by showing that you have something in common, that you understand them, and that you respect their perspective.

4 Give compliments

A fourth way to build rapport is to give compliments to the other person. Compliments are positive remarks or expressions of appreciation that you make to someone else. They can be about their appearance, skills, achievements, personality, or behavior. Giving compliments can help you build rapport by showing that you notice, value, and admire them. They can also boost their self-esteem, mood, and motivation.

5 Share yourself

A fifth technique to build rapport is to share yourself with the other person. Sharing yourself means revealing something personal or meaningful about yourself. It can be a story, a joke, a fact, a feeling, or a vulnerability. Sharing yourself can help you build rapport by showing that you trust, like, and relate to them. It can also create a sense of intimacy, authenticity, and rapport.

6 Follow up

A sixth tip to build rapport is to follow up with the other person. Following up means contacting them after your initial interaction to maintain or strengthen the rapport. It can be a phone call, an email, a text message, or a social media comment. Following up can help you build rapport by showing that you care, remember, and value them. It can also keep the conversation going, deepen the relationship, and create opportunities for future interactions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?