Rapport is the most important characteristic in ‘unconscious’ human interaction. It is commonality of perspective, being in "sync", being on the same wavelength as the person you are presenting to. Rapport is the transference of emotional energy and meaning from one person to another. It can be verbal and non-verbal and is at the foundation of subliminal persuasion and developing attraction. Good rapport will influence, support, enhance and communication will move forward. Great Rapport will impact, convince and inspire others to take action, creating a mesmerising experience for your audience.

Rapport is also the ability to relate to others in a way that creates a climate of trust and understanding. It is the ability to see each other’s point of view (though not necessarily agree with it), and to appreciate each other’s feelings. It is a vital element in any form of presenting, leading others and all factors in communication.

There are a number of techniques that will develop your ability in building rapport such as: matching body language (i.e., posture, gestures, and so forth); maintaining eye contact, matching a persons breathing rhythm; and being attuned to the emotional energy behind the words they use.

Some of these techniques are explored below and in neuro-linguistic programming

The Science behind Rapport is about Emotional Attunement and Synchrony

Psychological research backs up the conventional NLP view of rapport, suggesting that "synchrony" of physical movements supports the sending and receiving of emotional energy with moods and meaning. Many pertinent studies are summarised in Daniel Goleman's classic Emotional Intelligence. Frank Bernieri's studies in classrooms found that teachers and students felt more friendly and enthused the more their movements were coordinated. Bernieri told Goleman, ‘How awkward or comfortable you feel with someone, is at some level physical. You need to have compatible timing, to coordinate your movements, to feel comfortable.’

Other studies suggest that emotions are transmitted from one person to another through the energetic field of emotional intelligence. Conveyed particularly by facial expressions, one could reasonably expect that two people in rapport would adopt shared body language that goes with the shared emotion they are feeling. Research by Robert Levenson found that mimicking someone's physiological patterns (while watching them on videotape) makes it easier to read their feelings. This all supports what we already know to be true about rapport. Another piece of research by Daniel Stern on the interactions between mothers and babies suggests there is something more going on: