subject: Communicate through body language [print this page] People who are in rapport tend to mirror and match each other's body posture, gestures and voice patterns. Have you been to a coffee shop and noticed couples who are deep in conversation? They are mirror images of each other as they sit facing each other. Those in deep rapport will even mimic each other's breathing patterns without realising it. Successful communicators create rapport and you can do so too simply by observing your communication partner. Most people have rapport skills- the secrete is to refine them for everyday use. The starting point is to make eye contact. Next, mirror the other person's posture. Mirroring is not mimicry and must be done in a way that is not exaggerated. Matching the way the other person is sitting is a good place to start. Notice how they distribute their body weight, and do the same. Follow this with small movements to mimic their gestures, move your hand to match their arm movement or move your head to match their body movement. The reason? People like others who are similar to them. Keep an open mind about rapport, and give it a try next time you begin a conversation with someone. Notice what happens when you don't mirror your communication partner's posture and, then observe what happens when you do. In particular, see what happens when you deliberately do the opposite of what they do. This is called mismatching and is just as useful if you need to disengage with someone. Remember, creating rapport is your choice. You will know the differences when you try it.
