Learning how to build rapport doesn’t mean mastering some small-talk hacks or becoming an expert conversationalist. Building rapport is about creating the kind of connection that makes people feel understood. Rather than trying to imitate what everyone else is doing, you lean into your natural communication style.
In a piece for the Asana blog, writer Julia Martins says that rapport is the foundation of a meaningful relationship. In the workplace, it helps build trust and increase engagement and creates a sense of camaraderie. People feel more in sync with each other. But how can you build rapport if you don’t necessarily love small talk? Martins has some ideas which we share in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
- Understand yourself. Building rapport means you don’t fake it. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you don’t love engaging in small talk, Martins suggests engaging new people with deeper conversations. You might ask them about their work history or what they love most about their community. Don’t enjoy mingling at crowded events? Get to know people in more comfortable situations, like watercooler chats or coffee conversations.
- Practice active listening. This is listening to understand rather than formulating what you want to say next. Martins says it’s a great way to build meaningful connections and invest in deeper conversations. When you pay full attention to the other person, you’re more invested in what they have to say. Listening helps you understand them better and makes them feel more comfortable and heard around you.
- Use positive body language. Martins encourages small things like nodding along, smiling and making eye contact. Make sure you’re not crossing your arms or checking your phone. Even if you’re paying attention, those gestures can unintentionally put people off.
- Look for commonalities. One of the easiest ways to build rapport, according to Martins, is to look for similarities between you and someone else. Do you have any shared interests? A similar past? Oftentimes, it’s much easier to forge a connection with someone when you have something in common. You can use that common ground as a jumping-off point for a deeper conversation.
- Grow your empathy. What if you don’t have much in common with the other person? Martins recommends relying on empathy and curiosity to build rapport. Focus on the other person’s needs and how you can help them.
- Ask open-ended questions. This is another effective way to get the other person to share their interests. Open-ended questions prompt them to share more about their past. You can use open-ended questions for any topic, Martins says. For example, instead of asking “How long have you worked in the promo industry?” which has a one-sentence answer, try “How did you get started in promo?” You’re asking about the same thing but prompting the person to share more about their past.
Rapport takes shape in the subtle moments like pausing to really listen and noticing what matters to someone else. Those small choices add up fast, transforming interactions from transactional to meaningful.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Julia Martins is a work management expert who contributes to the Asana blog.
