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How to Build Rapport Quickly
Why connecting with strangers doesn’t need to be so intimidating
Building rapport is a skill we need in many areas of our lives. It affects how we date (or if we get one!), our friendships, and our careers. Some people are just naturals at it — the best sales people, teachers and businessmen are experts at establishing rapport within a few minutes. Rapport helps them close a deal, influence people, and puts them in a position where others want to follow their lead.
But being able to build that trust and connection with someone else in a short period of time isn’t a skill that comes easily to everyone. How can we get better at quickly establishing rapport with strangers?
A soft approach
One of the first things we subconsciously assess about a person when they approach us is “are they a threat”. The main way we make this assessment is body language. Approaching someone with non-threatening body language helps you to answer their ‘threat question’ quickly and gets them relaxed.
Approach a stranger:
- with a genuine smile.
- from the side rather than straight at them, if you can.
- with a soft open question, such as “How’s your day going?”
- with open body posture and your empty hands visible —…
