Encouragers build rapport
Posted by jodietonita on December 25, 2006
“Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen.
Ambrose Bierce
The practice continues>>> With each and every person with whom you speak, bring your deepest and most respectful quality of listening.
Encouragers are brief words or gestures that let the speaker know you are present, listening & want to hear more:
* hmmm * Oh? * Really? * And?
* Then what? * Go on * I see * Right
* Ah ha * Ah! * Tell me more * Yes
The encouragers may also be non-verbal, such as nodding, smiling, leaning forward.
Encouragers build rapport. While we tend to do this naturally, bring special attention to these non-verbal encouragers. Be aware of and practice your own use, while also noticing how others use (or don’t use) them effectively.
Adapted from the practices of Robert Gass.
