1. Presentation Inspiration
KineticFuture: Leadership Communications Coaching
Creating Rapport
You know when you've got rapport with your audience. It's when you realise they are really
listening, buying into your ideas and have fewer objections. And it's when you start to relax.
So, how do you achieve rapport in a presentation or a meeting? It's about what you say and, even
more importantly, how you say it.
Think about the people you like most - they're probably similar to you in many ways. When people
are like each other they like each other. Rapport works by matching on all levels.
Research the 'audience' - What do they want from you, the presentation or the meeting? And
what's the real 'word on the street' - the big issues, the problems, the 'in' jokes.
You need to meet their needs - Talk about what's relevant to them and make sure you're telling
them something interesting in a tonality & style they can relate to. Working hard on this part of
your presentation is the very best investment you can make.
Use the actual words they use - their jargon, their preferred terms, even if they're wrong.
Find shared experiences to create a bond - you do this naturally when you meet someone.
You can use personal stories, case histories, examples they relate to.
Match their physiology in a meeting - using the same posture, tonality, gestures, even
matching their breathing (yes you'll need to be subtle!)
Connect with each person individually - using eye contact, smiling, involving them in some
interaction like a question or using their name.
Find out more about different preferred styles and meet their preferences - are they visual
people, auditory people or kinesthetic people (like to touch, feel and experience what you're
talking about).
Remember that the very beginning of a presentation or a meeting is the critical point. Create
rapport early and you're well on your way.