What Does it Mean to Have a Close Rapport?

These children have close rapport and a good relationship.

Close rapport is when people get along well with one another, conversing easily without awkward silences and feeling comfortable in each other's presence. Close rapport is essential for effective, rewarding relationships, whether they are platonic, romantic or professional.

Confidence

One of the key ingredients of close rapport is one or more self-confident individuals. People like people who like themselves. So, the more the people in a social interaction like themselves, the closer the rapport.

Interest

People enjoy talking about themselves. We like to have others take interest in and listen to our view of the world. So, close rapport is characterized not just by talking but also by active listening.

Nonverbal Communication

Finally, not all communication is verbal. Open body language, eye contact and a generally receptive attitude can develop close rapport. Matching nonverbal communication also develops rapport. Making the same amount of eye contact or placing your arms in the same way as someone else helps facilitate close rapport with them.

References

• SelfGrowth: Rapport: Successful Communication
• NLP Training: The NLP Approach to Rapport