Everyone is able to use Neuro Linguistic Programme (NLP) in various situations. For today, we shall discuss how to use NLP to build rapprt with people and/or to gauge how much rapport you have built with others. It is co-related to body language('mirroring').
So what exactly is 'mirroring'?
Mirroring is a human behaviour in which one copies a person while communicating with them. It is often observed among couples or close friends. It may include miming gestures, movements, body language, muscle tensions, expressions, tones, eye movements, breathing, tempo, accent, attitude, choice of words, metaphors, or other features discernible in communication.
Matching a person's eye contact style is one way of creating this rapport by mirroring.
We can also mirror or match ones voice and posture, blinking and facial expression, words and gesturing, physiology and position. For example if a person tilts his head to the left, we should tilt the head to the right, just like a mirror. Align your posture similar to the curvature of the spine. When you sit across someone, you can assume a mirror position of the hands, legs, head etc. When a person talks, you can observe the gestures used and hand movements. You can use the same gestures when responding back. When a person is talking simply notice the gestures used, and use them when you are responding.
It is advisable to be discreet when using the matching and mirroring techniques of Neuro-linguistic programming. You can delay an action by a few seconds. For example if the person shift his position, you can match it by shift after some time.
We shall discuss more methods on using NLP next time. Please drop me an email if you like me to discuss something in particular or have any questions.
