RAPPORT is an essential component of work life. There is constant
social interaction and communication going on to achieve sales
quotas, complete projects according to deadlines, negotiation of
business deals and all sort of other business activities.
Interaction and relating to others is inevitable and unavoidable.
How well an individual creates rapport not only influences the
overtone of a business interaction, it also directly contributes to
success and the desired outcome. Like it or not, the successful
outcome of many business activities depends on rapport.
Since we cannot NOT communicate, why not ensure the presence of
rapport during each interaction to make the conversation,
discussion, negotiation or partnership more fruitful every time we
speak.
Here are some myths and truths about rapport and communication:
Myth #1: Some people are just born to be great communicators and
good at creating rapport. Either you have it, or you don't.
Great communication has been perceived as a behavior trait of a
sociable, outgoing and extroverted personality. Hence, it is
commonly perceived to be an inherent quality. On the other hand,
those with more reserved dispositions or quieter personalities are
naturally associated with less polished abilities to communicate
well or create rapport.
Truth #1: Creating rapport is a skill. It can be learnt and
acquired. Regardless of your personality and preferred style of
communication, there are certain surefire techniques of creating
rapport. Having eye contact during the course of a conversation is a
good way to create rapport. Pepper the eye contact so that it is
non-threatening and not overdone. Offer eye contact in moderation to
give attention at a level that is comfortable.
Myth #2: A person who talks a lot is a great communicator and master
at creating rapport.
If you talk about yourself a lot and enjoy holding and dominating a
conversation, you may be surprised to find out the person at the
other end of the conversation may feel the lack of rapport in the
interaction. Don't be caught off guard with the feedback that the
other person doesn't feel "listened to".
Truth #2: Listening to others is a key to creating rapport. You may
come across as someone with a reserved disposition. A man or a woman
of few words who prefers to let others take the driver's seat in a
conversation. If you have these tendencies, creating rapport is well
within your grasp. If you enjoy listening to others, you may well
already be a master at creating rapport. Often your interest in
others shows in powerful and non-verbal ways through giving your
attention by lending your ear and the acknowledgement you give
through your "Uhm..Hmm..." and "I see".
Myth #3: It feels strange for many people to consciously create
rapport. Creating rapport may not be a natural thing for many
people. Not just you. However no one can deny that working
relationships and collaborations are enhanced significantly with
rapport. Positive communication at the workplace offers many
benefits beyond the tangible and immediate ones.
Truth #3: Practice makes perfect. Anyone can become a master of
rapport. Creating rapport is similar to acquiring a new skill. Even
though it doesn't come naturally, one will get better at it with
consistent efforts and practice. Keep at it and you will become a
master of rapport someday. Rapport encourages a flow of conversation
and you may find yourself enjoying conversations more and making
deeper connections.
A creature which has the ability to create rapport is the man's best
friend i.e.. the dog. The next time you see your pet dog, remember
you are looking at the perfect example of "a listening ear" and
"heartmelting eye contact". The master of rapport.... Don't you
agree?
The value one places on rapport will correspond with the emphasis or
the presence of it in one's conversation. Time for a little
self-evaluation. Are you known to have great rapport?
by Marilyn Chee.
Marilyn Chee is a freelance consultant who
specializes in Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Self-Potential
Optimization and Corporate Dynamics. For more information, email:
leyichee@yahoo.com
