What is Rapport?

Rapport is often described as the "magical, mystical state" of connection, trust, and openness. In NLP, we move beyond the mystery and look at the exact mechanics of how rapport is created and maintained.

The Science of Connection

Building rapport isn't about manipulation; it's about meeting someone in their own model of the world. When you are in rapport with someone, their unconscious mind feels safe and understood.

Techniques for Building Rapport

Matching and Mirroring: Subtly adopting parts of another person's physiology—such as their posture, gestures, or even their breathing pattern—to create a sense of familiarity.

Voice Tonality: Matching the speed, volume, and rhythm of someone's speech. This accounts for 38% of our communication influence.

Predicates: Using words that match someone's preferred sensory system (Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic). For example, saying "I see what you mean" to a visual person.