We know that rapport is essential. It's the magical feeling of trust and connection we get with someone when we feel like they really understand us.

When you're delivering training, whether to a group or one-on-one, rapport is essential. Without it, participants will be less likely to engage with the material, pay attention, and retain what they've learned.

So how can you build rapport when you're the one in charge of training?

1. Make sure you're prepared.

One way to instantly lose rapport is to come across as unprepared. If you're fumbling with your material or trying to wing it, your participants will pick up on that quickly and lose confidence in you as a trainer.

Before starting your session, ensure you know your material inside and out. This way, you'll be able to focus on building rapport rather than worrying about what comes next.

2. Take an interest in your participants.

Another way to build rapport is to take an interest in your participants as individuals. Please get to know them by name and ask them about their experiences and backgrounds. This will help them feel like more than just a face in the crowd and show them that you value their input.

3. Be conscious of your body language.

As we have said in previous posts, your body language says a lot about how you're feeling; be conscious of what you convey during your training session.

Smile, make eye contact, and use open gestures to show that you're approachable and interested in what your participants have to say.

4. Avoid making assumptions.

Finally, avoid making assumptions about your participants' learning styles, personalities or prior knowledge.

Instead, give them the benefit of the doubt and provide plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback throughout the session. This way, everyone will be able to learn at their own pace, and no one will feel left behind.

Building rapport is essential when delivering training because it helps create a feeling of trust and connection between you and your participants.

With rapport, learners will be more engaged, more likely to pay attention, and more likely to remember what they've learned.

I love building rapport and relationships with all our clients on every course.

By following these tips, you'll be well to becoming an effective trainer who can create a positive learning environment for all.