Part of the communication process is genuinely caring about people. Listening carefully to what the other person is saying is not only a good communication skill but also a compliment to the other person. Listening involves all the senses – including your intuitive inner voice. Sometimes, it is more important to "listen" to what isn't being said.

Listening means emotionally and physically being an active participant in the communication process. This includes asking questions and listening closely to the answers. A good communicator is an excellent listener. And, a good listener is able to create a powerful and long-lasting relationship built on trust and rapport.

People will follow your lead and listen to your suggestions because they’ve gotten to know, respect and trust you.

Here are seven suggestions for communicating trustworthiness and developing rapport:

1. Focus your undivided attention on what is important to the other person. To communicate trustworthiness and rapport, don’t push your own agenda. It is not about you, it’s about the other person. Tune in carefully to what they’re saying and how they are saying it. “Hear” what they are saying, not what you expect or want them to say.



2. Asking questions that will give you more than a yes or no answer is a powerful way to begin opening the lines of communication. “How can I support you on your self-development journey?” You’re not only showing you care, you’re showing support.



3. I’m sure you’ve heard it said before but it bears repeating, you have to two ears and one mouth so use them accordingly. Listen more than you talk. Ask a question and then stop talking and start listening. Do you realize that your undivided attention is a sincere compliment? You’re letting the other person know that you’re interested in what they have to say and that their opinion is important to you.



4. Watching your body language is vital. Leaning slightly forward as they’re speaking means you are interested and that you’re listening.



5. Eyes, I’ve been told, are the windows to the soul. Make eye contact. When you talk with someone who doesn’t look you in the eye, how do you feel? Do you feel like you can or should trust them? Eye contact conveys two things, trust and interest.



6. Smile often. Be animated in the conversation, laugh and have fun. Relax and just be your unique and special self.



7. Stand with confidence and sit with correct posture. Believe it or not, your posture speaks volumes about your trustworthiness. Would you trust someone who slouched in a seat with their arms folded across their chest, made no eye contact and couldn’t seem to stay awake?

I’ve heard this said before, trust is developed and maintained when you seek not only to be understood, but also to understand. Psychologist and author, Dr. Joyce Brothers said, “Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.”


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