The Art of Building Rapport
In the last few months I have written a few Coaching suggestions that are useful
when applying for employment. In the current climate with so few jobs available
and so many people applying for them there has never been a time when you
REALLY need to make the best impression so you can have the best chance of
getting the job you want.
One of the essential parts of communicating is learning to get into rapport
with someone.
So what is rapport? Well the oxford dictionaries definition is:
"Relationship or communication especially when useful
and harmonious"
For me the key word is harmonious.
A few years ago I was introduced to a very elderly lady who I had not seen
before. Within A FEW minutes of our encounter she stopped and looked into
my eyes and said "you have amazing skills of rapport building" I have
to say I was a bit taken back but was really grateful for two reasons.
1. As a life coach if I am not harmonious in my communication with people
I am in the wrong job!
(She actually was completely unaware of what I do for a living which made it an
even more special remark.)
2. This is a skill that can be learnt and really helps
people to communicate more effectively.
Just watch two people having a laugh and in an engaging conversation, it's like
a sort of dance with both people almost mirroring each others body language and
tone.
So what do you do?
Well firstly relax and smile, being authentic is the
key. Be genuinely interested in what they are saying ...LISTEN to them. Don't
allow yourself to be distracted (mobiles, interrupting them, looking away or,
worse still, at your watch!) Be really in the moment, fully present not judging
or projecting any stuff that goes on in your head.
Allow yourself to mimic some of their body language (not too obviously), ask if
you have understood correctly what they have said by repeating some of the
things that have been said.
For example: "So what you are saying is............."
"Do you mean .................."
So I hope these tips help not just in the employment arena
but in life generally.
Most of all really ENJOY the interaction people love to be
listened to by someone who is really engaged.
I have written about the time I applied for a practice Nurse job and after 9
attempts I got it, I had to remain enthusiastic and be in rapport on every interaction,
so keep on keeping on!
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About The Author
This article was written by Sandra Crathern of Innavision
Author Profile
This article was written by Sandra Crathern, a passionate NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner/Life Coach/Trained Nurse. Having worked in a Doctors Surgery for 12 years she noticed that many of her patients wanted to have a healthy life style but felt unable to action it, "The how too" was missing. She has faced some serious life problems of her own until she discovered a Life coach. This had a PROFOUND effect on her life. So much so that she decided to re-train and to help others in a similar situation find the answers.
She swapped professions 4 years ago and as a result of some intensive work on herself and the skills NLP has given her, she is completely free of the issues she had, and now have the skills/tools to assist others on their own journeys.
She firmly believes her service empowers her client to make responsible choices and gives them control over their lives. If you want to learn more about Sandra's service call her now.
Author's Contact Details
Sandra Crathern
Innavision
Telephone: 01903 520369
Telephone: 07932 618166
email »
Innavision website »
AllWorthingJobs are very grateful to Sandra Crathern and Innavision for taking the time to provide this advice, please use the contact details above if you'd like to contact Innavision.
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