In NLP we define rapport as a state of responsiveness. Responsiveness means the person or people you are interacting with consciously and unconsciously respond to you and you therefore have the lead in the communication.

NLP rapport is the ability to relate to others in a way that creates trust and understanding. It is the ability to see the other’s point of view and get them to understand yours. You don’t have to agree with their point of view or even like it. It makes any form of communication easier.

Successful interactions depend largely on our ability to establish and maintain rapport. Surprisingly, we make most business decisions based on rapport rather than technical merit. You are more likely to buy from, agree with, or support someone you can relate to than someone you can’t.

NLP rapport techniques, like many other aspects of NLP are quite subtle but extremely powerful in their implications and effects. Dictionaries define rapport as a relationship marked by harmony, conformity, accord or affinity. It supports agreement, alignment, likeness or similarity.

In NLP, to achieve or accelerate rapport we begin by taking on elements of another person’s physiology and voice qualities, known as mirroring.  After a period of mirroring you then move to a slightly different position than the other person who in turn will then follow to keep the symmetry that was previously there. When the other person is unconsciously following your lead, that person will accept your suggestions and ideas less critically