Steps on How to Build Rapport

Relationships often take time to develop. Trust is essential to any personal relationship that has any meaning, and trust is rarely an overnight development. Likewise, each relationship is different, so one relationship may thrive on humor while another survives on mutual efficiency. Building rapport with someone requires patience as the two of you get to know each other and come to see what roles you play in each other's lives.

Instructions

1. Ask the other person questions about himself. This helps you learn about his interests and life history while getting a feel for his general demeanor.

2. Listen carefully to what the other person says. Conversation should be about give and take and not just about waiting for your turn to speak. Good listening skills are vital in establishing rapport with someone.

3. Identify common ground between the two of you. Similar interests or life experiences help you bond either personally or professionally.

4. Joke with the other person to see if you share a similar sense of humor. Laughter is effective at building rapport quickly because it helps you both feel comfortable with the other person.

5. Follow through on any promises you make and do whatever you say you'll do throughout the course of your relationship. Reliability is important in establishing trust, and trust is needed for effective rapport.

6. Plan activities that the two of you enjoy doing together. For example, if you are both baseball fans, go to a baseball game together if possible. The sharing of experiences assists in rapport-building.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your credentials to your advantage when forming rapport in a business relationship. Stressing your professional background when it is relevant helps establish credibility, and credibility leads to rapport.

References

• Ecademy: Build Rapport Fast! -- Eight Easy Steps
• Sales Help: Establish Trust and Rapport