Building rapport

Effective communication enables connection and understanding to be built between client and practitioner. It is self-perpetuating in that it lays a foundation for ongoing and effective further communication. In building rapport with a client, we build a harmonious or emphatic relationship or connection with the client.

Establishing rapport with a client means building a situation that will foster trust, confidence, openness and commitment to the process that you and the client are undertaking. It is a two-way thing. Rapport is not gained by applying a set of rules to a communication situation. It involves genuine empathy, trust and commitment from both parties.

Without building rapport, the communication process will inevitably fail; we will be building a structure without foundations.

Some key factors in establishing this initial relationship might include:

• Providing a private and welcoming environment in which to meet.
• Providing an introduction about yourself and your role.
• Being warm and friendly in your approach.
• Creating a climate of trust and confidence.
• Being relaxed, in order to encourage the client to relax.
• Being positive in your interaction, listening carefully.
• Being in a position to focus on the client.
• Providing the client with clear and simple information about your organisation and the services it provides.
• Finding out the relevant background details from the client.
• Finding out about the client's needs.
• Finding ways of including the client's values and beliefs into the communication process.