Building rapport with others—whether it’s in person or online—takes practice. Much of it is intuitive. 

Rapport is about creating a bond, link, connection, and understanding. 

The goal is to connect and engage people so that they are thinking, feeling, reacting, and involved.

Humans crave connection and want to be understood.  

Rapport building is an art and skill in communication that’s used daily in all our relationships.

Here are 10 tips to connect and build rapport with others: 

1. Act approachable. When mingling face-to-face, be aware of how you move and behave. Notice how confident and easy-going folks network. Use body language and gestures that are inviting. When you’re online, have a welcoming and intriguing profile or video. Smile in your profile picture; it matters! 

2. Ask good questions. People love to talk about themselves so develop your listening skills and curiosity. Learn how to ask powerful questions and...

I talk A LOT about how to introduce yourself so you are seen and heard --and grow your business.  

I am obsessed with my work not because people walk away with a concise introduction. 

Something is hiding deep beneath the words. And it has become my mission.  

It’s the real reason I do what I do. It has taken me a lifetime—59 years and torrents of tears—to understand my fixation on other people's stories.

It began when I was four years old. I didn't speak.

My parents thought I was deaf, but the doctor told them I was fine.

He said I didn't talk because I communicated in a way that didn't require words. When I was hungry, I’d bang on the refrigerator.

No words or voice were necessary.  

So, what does a little girl who did not speak until age 4 do with her life? 

I went to college and majored in mass communications. Go figure. 

I quickly found the campus radio station, a place filled with microphones and speakers...

My coaching client, attorney and DEI advocate Diana Patton, beautifully used the ‘bridge and guide’ technique I teach for messaging and introductions.

She seized the opportunity to self-promote during a recent morning TV interview.

The original topic for Diana’s segment was health and wellness.

So, how was Diana able to blend and weave in her angle about the advocacy and diversity work she does?

It’s all about paying deep attention in media interviews...and sales conversations.

I teach you how to listen closely and think on your feet so that you know precisely where and how to weave in your sound bites, control your message, and self-promote with confidence.

Conversations will flow naturally and easily while you stay on point.

Take a look.

And if you want to talk strategy around your story and how to share it with dream clients, apply now for a free Story Power Session.