Rapport Communication
Building rapport through communication is where it gets very complicated. Given that there are mil-
lions of different things you can say, mixed with millions of subtly different gestures and voice tones,
you have almost countless options on how to communicate verbally. And because each situation is
different, there is no one “right thing to say” that is always right across the board.
Good communication is built through experience, and is based on all the same rapport-building prin-
ciples we’ve looked at so far. Being warm, open, friendly and non-judgmental in your speech will all
help build rapport with someone. You’ll also need to adjust your communication based on the other
person’s mood, sense of humour, sense of urgency and level of comfort, among many other things.
For a quick reading of their mental state, focus on the three factors as listed above: facial expression,
clothing and stance.