How to Develop Rapport & Goodwill
It may seem that some people are naturally better at developing rapport and goodwill. They seem to move easily through life, appearing confident and popular. But the skill of building good interpersonal relationships, like most other skills, is learned and developed. Most people instinctively understand that people skills --
such as interacting well with others and having emotional intelligence --
make life a lot smoother. Whether it be an interview or a social function, a person who is relaxed around others will not only creates a good impression, but will also put other people at ease.
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Instructions
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Establishing Rapport and Goodwill
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A handshake can help to establish good will. Put other people at their ease. Realize that you may not be the only person struggling with shyness or embarrassment. Focusing on another person, will automatically distract you from your own nervousness. Concentrate on what the other person is saying.
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Use appropriate body language, turning your body towards the other person. Avoid fiddling with your phone, your keys or your hair. Maintain appropriate eye contact. Smile at the other person. Adopt a relaxed stance or sitting posture.
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Ask interested questions of the other person. Most people warm up to someone who shows interest in them. Try to establish common ground with the other person. You may find that you are familiar with the other person's neighborhood, or that you have friends in common. This helps establish a bond.
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Avoid controversial topics when you do not know the other person. Do not express forceful opinions in a dogmatic manner, as this can be off-putting. Use humor on an appropriate way. In a social setting, talk to one or two people rather than attempting to speak to everyone in the room.
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Follow up social invitations from others punctiliously. Do not issue invitations of your own if you do not mean them. Avoid sycophantic behavior, as most people can see through insincerity.
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References
- Photo Credit smiling girl image by Daria Miroshnikova from Fotolia.com shaking hands image by Sean Gladwell from Fotolia.com
