Make Connections Using Rapport Building Techniques
Wednesday night I had a date with my wife to see the Great One – Robin Williams live. He was amazing and my ribs are still hurting from all the laughing. So, if you get a chance to catch his current act – just do it – He is that great!
Yet, as I reflected back on his presentation I realized what he did in the opening minutes to connect to the entire audience. First, since it was a sell out performance, I’m certain that everyone there was expecting a great performance from him. Yet, it was the personal connection that he used to grab your attention that caught my attention.
He used no less than five local references that everyone in the audience could relate to – assuming you were from Memphis. Before the global jokes and routine jokes, he made the personal connections talking about Memphis stuff that got our attention and our laughs – because we knew it was true!
Leaders, Managers and Sale People who communicate with others as part of their regular work day need to understand what this master comedian knows. Building rapport is the most important part of your presentation to others. Before the facts, details and your ideas, you must connect with your audience. With one to one or group settings, rapport building opens the door to effective communication.
Rapport Building is the foundation piece for trust. Without trust, very little can get done effectively. Learn to connect with others early and watch how engaging others become. I have watched people who would not give most people the time of day, begin to tell a person who took the time to gain rapport, their life history and all the information necessary to effectively sell to their company! Magic? No. Simple? Yes. If you understand the techniques of rapport building.
If you have no clue about what I am talking about – then it is your responsibility to learn about rapport building. Their are several excellent books on the topic for leaders and sales people. Or, you can get coaching on people skills from someone like us. We have been helping clients learn how to build improved people skills for over a decade. Can us at 901-757-4434 and we will build some rapport!
Voss Graham
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Tags: Connecting the Dots, Effective communication skills, People Skills, Rapport Building, Robin Williams
