# What does building rapport mean? Definition and examples

Building rapport means creating a sense of ease and mutual understanding with someone, so the conversation feels comfortable and they're more willing to trust you. You build it through attention and small, genuine signals: remembering what they said, matching their energy, finding real common ground and following up on it.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/glossary/rapport/

## Behaviours that build rapport

| Behaviour | Example |
| --- | --- |
| **Remembering details** | "How did your daughter's recital go?" a week after they mentioned it |
| **Matching pace and energy** | Slowing down and lowering your voice with a calm, careful caller |
| **Real common ground** | "You studied in Leeds too? Which part of town did you live in?" |
| **Showing you listened** | "So the move was the hard part, not the job itself?" |
| **A little self-disclosure** | "I'm terrible at that too. I still write my lists on paper." |
| **Using their name, once or twice** | "Thanks, Maria, that's helpful." |
| **A warm open and close** | "Thanks for making time. I know Thursdays are busy for you." |

## Rapport in interviews

You have a few minutes, so it comes from small things: easy chat on the walk in, a steady greeting, and referring back to what the interviewer said. "You mentioned the team doubled this year; that's part of why I applied" shows you listened and connects you to their world. It doesn't replace good answers, but it makes the interviewer more relaxed with you and more curious.

## What breaks rapport

- **Interrupting,** or finishing their sentences for them.
- **Flattery that sounds scripted:** "What a fascinating company!" with nothing specific behind it.
- **Copying too obviously.** Some [mirroring](/speaking-coach/glossary/mirroring/) is natural; mimicking every gesture feels odd.
- **Talking only about yourself,** or answering every story with a bigger one.
- **Checking your phone** while they talk.

[Active listening](/speaking-coach/glossary/active-listening/) underlies most of the behaviours above.

## Questions people ask

### How do you build rapport quickly?

Give full attention, ask one question about something they just said, and share a small, genuine detail about yourself.

### Can you build rapport on a phone or video call?

Yes. Without visual cues, your voice does more of the work: a warm tone, short acknowledgements and using their name.

### What is rapport in sales?

The same thing: the customer feels understood and comfortable. It comes from listening to their needs, not from scripted small talk.

### Is rapport the same as being liked?

Not quite. Rapport is ease and trust in the conversation. You can have it with someone who disagrees with you.

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