How to Build Rapport in a Matter of Minutes!

Rapport creates trust and builds positive psychological bridges to others; it is also the first step in building a relationship. At a networking event the objective is to build rapport with as many contacts as possible, making follow up that much easier.

The challenge is, how do you build rapport in a matter of minutes? In order to assist you with this process, we have a few tips on how to build rapport quickly.

Find Common Ground
Find something you have in common that you can share. Conversations will be more positive and comfortable when someone views us as similar to them. Remember like attracts like.

Match their Body Language
Casually make the same gestures they do, this is also known as mirroring.

Match Their Speech
If they are talking slow, you talk slow, if they talk fast, you talk fast. Also match their tone.

Use Their Name Regularly
People like hearing their name and being referred to by name as it makes them feel important. However, do not go overboard with saying their name.

Make Them Feel Good About Themselves
Pay them a compliment, this directly determines how they feel about you, it has been said that people remember you as younger, more good looking and nicer once you have paid them a compliment. However, make sure it sounds sincere.

First Impressions Really Do Count
Use positive uplifting language, be enthusiastic and happy, show confidence, smile and have open body language by turning toward that person. Be warm & positive no-one likes to be around negative cold people.

Show Interest In Them When They Are Talking To You
Smile and listen to what they are saying. This makes people feel they are important.

Catch Them In A Good Mood
Where possible talk to someone when they are in a good mood or excited by something. They will associate this good feeling with you!

Ask A Small Favour
We tend to like people more when we can do something for them, people feel good when they can help. So if you can get someone to do you a small favour they will like you more, maybe they know someone you want to connect with.

Meet Several Times
The more time we spend with people the more we tend to like each other.