Global Leadership Hub

The foundation of human connection and effective communication is without a doubt trust, which allows you to successfully navigate the uncertainties and complexities of today. Knowing how to create a sense of trust and understanding with stakeholders through rapport can offer countless opportunities and accelerates personal and professional growth.

 

Rapport is the ability to enter someone else’s world to make them feel that you understand them, that you have a strong common bond.
 ~ Tony Robbins

 

If you can establish rapport with others (team members, clients, potential customers and any other stakeholders), they will be much more likely to want to interact with you, share information, listen to your suggestions, buy from you, support your ideas and collaborate effectively.

People in management or leadership positions may often be working with a very diverse group of individuals. Finding ‘sameness’ may initially be a challenge. However, humans have far more in common than not. You can create an environment based on a common purpose, clear expectations and respect, which becomes the shared understanding. Rapport is less about compliance than it is about a mutual sense of being seen and appreciated – and the willingness to collaborate that generates.

 

Business, after all, is nothing more than a bunch of human relationships.
~ Lee Iacocca

 

How effective your rapport building methods and communication skills are often becomes evident in the responses you receive. If you feel that you are not getting heard or that your message does not create any impact, you must change your approach to the way you communicate.

Resistance is a sign of a lack of rapport.
 

 

This article provides 3 hacks, or methods, that will assist you to connect with others through rapport and trust building, improve communication skills and thus strengthen relationships in the long term.

 

You can communicate something with spoken words, but the listener might detect an entirely different message. The reason for this is that language consists of 3 components, also called the 3 Vs.

 

 

 

These 3 elements go hand in hand. If you use negative words, your body language and vocals will reflect that. Or if your body language is negative, you cannot speak positive, empowering words with authenticity. Because these elements are linked, you are forced to take responsibility for how you conduct your body, your mind and your words. To be an effective and successful communicator, you must bring what you think, say and feel in harmony. Only then can you build rapport and get a clear message across.

 

Hack #1: Enhance rapport with your VERBAL image and brand

Words have power. Words are power. Words can be your power. They can change your life, inspire a nation, and make this world a beautiful place. They can spit venom or mend a broken soul. 

This ‘Verbal’ element comprises spoken words that you choose to convey information, ideas, and thoughts to others.

 

Clarity and conciseness

Be clear and concise in your verbal communication. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that might confuse your audience. Choose your words carefully to convey your message effectively.

 

Tailor the message

Understand your audience and adapt your language to resonate with them. Speak in a way that is relatable and relevant to the people you are addressing.

 

Storytelling

Use storytelling to convey your message. Narratives can engage emotions, making your communication more memorable and impactful.

 

Empowering thoughts and beliefs

Adopt positive, optimistic, and empowering thoughts and beliefs, accompanied by a language that inspires and motivates your listeners. Frame your ideas in a way that highlights opportunities and solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

 

Allow pauses

Oftentimes, we are afraid of silence. Yet, this allows our audience to absorb our message, process what we have said and provides time for reflection. It also provides the other person with the opportunity to speak and for us to listen. ‘Pace and Pause’ is speaking at a moderate pace and incorporating appropriate pauses. These pauses are intentional breaks or silences in your speech, and a powerful tool for emphasising points, allowing listeners to process information, and adding rhythm to your speech. 

 

 

Hack #2: Master rapport with your VISUAL image and brand

The ‘Visual’ element of the 3 Vs encompasses your body language, gestures, facial expressions, and appearance - a powerful and often universal language. A simple smile, for instance, can go a long way no matter where we are in the world. It is important to recognise the impact of nonverbal cues in communication, as they can significantly influence how our message is perceived and understood by others.

 

Body language

Your body language speaks volumes. Being mindful of your posture is crucial; maintain an open and welcoming stance to signal approachability. 

 

Gestures

Hand movements can be powerful communicators. Use them to highlight key concepts and ideas, adding a dynamic layer to your verbal communication. While gestures can add emphasis to your points, remember to strike a balance and avoid excessive or distracting movements.

 

Facial expressions

Our face is a canvas of emotions that can instantly convey our feelings and intentions. Utilise facial expressions to amplify your verbal communication and to connect with your audience. A genuine smile can establish rapport and approachability, while a furrowed brow might signal concern or deep thought. Pay attention to your facial cues, ensuring they align with the emotional tone of your message and contribute positively to the overall impact of your communication. 

 

Appearance

How we present ourselves significantly influences how we are perceived. Dressing in a manner that aligns with the context and audience expectations reflects professionalism and respect. Be attuned to cultural norms and preferences when choosing your attire.

 

 

To create strong and lasting professional relationships through rapport building, you must be able to ‘read’ the other person, including their body language. One effective method to do this is to utilise ‘sensory acuity’, the ability to notice the movements from moment to moment that the other person is showing, such as eyes watering, sighing, eyebrows lifting, a shift in the seat for a short moment. You can then calibrate, in other words ‘tune into’, the other person and the level of energy, conversational pace, movement and attitude they are choosing at that moment. It’s important to acknowledge, of course, that any specific micro-movement doesn’t have an exact meaning that applies as a definitive sign of a given emotional state for all people all the time. However, these small physical indicators do provide clues as to how a person’s response may be changing over the course of an interaction or relationship.