Hey there! 👋 I’m your friendly neighborhood blogger and today I’m going to talk about establishing immediate rapport with someone using nonverbal communication. Nonverbal cues can be just as important as the words we use, and they can make or break a first impression. In this blog, I’m going to teach you five nonverbal cues that can help you establish immediate rapport with anyone you meet. Let’s dive in! 💪

👀 Eye Contact

They say eyes are the windows to the soul, and in the world of nonverbal communication, eye contact is king. Making eye contact with someone not only shows that you’re engaged and interested, but it can also help build trust and rapport. However, it’s essential to find a balance between too little and too much eye contact. Too little can come off as disinterest, while too much can be intimidating.

Tips:

• Aim to make eye contact for about 60% of the conversation.
• If you’re uncomfortable with eye contact, try looking at the person’s nose or mouth instead.

💪 Power Pose

Your body language says a lot about how you feel and your level of confidence. A “power pose” is a nonverbal cue that can help you appear more confident and assertive, even if you’re feeling nervous or uncertain. Standing with your shoulders back, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands on your hips is one example of a power pose that can help you exude confidence.

Tips:

• Practice power poses before important meetings or events.
• Avoid crossing your arms, which can come off as defensive or closed off.

🤝 Open Arms

Just as crossing your arms can make you appear defensive, keeping your arms open can make you appear welcoming and friendly. By keeping your arms and body language open, you can make people feel more at ease when they’re around you.

Tips:

• Try not to fidget with your hands as it can come off as nervous or anxious behavior.
• Open arms work well in casual or informal settings but might not be appropriate in more formal environments.

🙌 Mirroring

Mirroring is a powerful nonverbal cue that can help build rapport quickly. When you mirror someone’s body language, the other person feels like you understand them better and like they have a connection with you. Mirroring can include anything from matching the other person’s tone of voice to crossing your legs the same way they do.

Tips:

• Remember to be subtle when mirroring someone as too much can come off as creepy.
• If you’re unsure, start by matching their tone of voice or pace of speech.

😊 Smiling

A smile is the universal sign of happiness and friendliness. Smiling helps to create a positive atmosphere and can make people feel more comfortable around you. Even if you’re not in a good mood, forcing a smile can have a positive impact on how you’re perceived by others.

Tips:

• Try to smile naturally instead of forcing it.
• If you’re not comfortable with a full smile, a small smile or a smirk can still have a positive impact.

And there you have it! Five nonverbal cues that can help you establish immediate rapport with anyone you meet. Remember to be mindful of your body language during conversations, and these nonverbal cues can become second nature. 🌟