Rapport Building: The Key to Effective Communication
In the realm of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), the concept of rapport holds a significant position. Whether you're an NLP coach, personal development coach, or life coach, understanding and mastering rapport is crucial for success in your practice. Rapport is not just about establishing a connection with your audience or clients; it's about creating a state where your communication is accepted and understood at an unconscious level.
In traditional hypnosis, rapport is often associated with the subject's uncritical acceptance of suggestions from the hypnotist. However, NLP views rapport as a process, not just a state. It's about how you establish that state where your communication is received without critical judgment.
One of the remarkable contributions of NLP is the concept of denominalizing rapport. This means turning rapport, which is often seen as a static noun, into a dynamic process. It's about understanding how to gain rapport with others, how to create conditions where your communication flows effortlessly into their unconscious mind.
The Theory Behind Rapport
The NLP theory of rapport is rooted in the groundbreaking work of Robert Birdwhistell and his study "Kinesics and Communication" conducted at the University of Pennsylvania in 1970. Birdwhistell's research revealed that only 7% of communication is conveyed through words, while 38% is conveyed through tone of voice, and a staggering 55% is conveyed through physiology.
This means that a significant portion of our communication is non-verbal and unconscious. As NLP practitioners, understanding this unconscious communication is key to establishing rapport. It's about consciously using unconscious cues to connect with others at a deeper level.
Building Rapport at the Unconscious Level
So, how do you consciously establish rapport with someone's unconscious mind? The answer lies in mirroring and matching. When you mirror someone, you subtly mimic their behavior, gestures, and expressions. Matching, on the other hand, involves aligning your behavior with theirs.
For example, if your client is sitting with crossed legs, you might mirror this by also crossing your legs. If they are speaking slowly, you might match their pace. By mirroring and matching, you establish a sense of similarity and familiarity at the unconscious level, making it easier for your client to relate to you.
In conclusion, mastering the art of rapport is essential for any NLP coach, personal development coach, or life coach. By understanding the principles of rapport building and applying them in your practice, you can create deeper connections with your clients and enhance the effectiveness of your communication.
Comentários