(image via Google)

Rapport is an elusive thing sometimes. Sometimes you meet someone new, and everything just clicks.

Rapport, or a closeness and comfort with someone, is necessary to be an effective facilitator. When participants are comfortable with you, they will be more likely to let down their guard, and let you guide them out of their comfort zone. This is where learners achieve the most lasting knowledge.

Building Rapport

You're not going to click with everyone right away, but there are steps you can take to build that trust. It begins with looking the part. Would you trust someone who showed up to lead a class about financial planning dressed in old gym clothes? Probably not. Humans are generally visual creatures, and a negative first impression can be hard to overcome. Start by dressing appropriately. Now if you were leading a class on outdoor fitness, your sweats might work.

This advice extends to your environment as well. Be prepared, and whenever possible, try too get acclimated to your discussion ahead of time. Where will you position your learners? Where will you stand? Where will you place visuals? Where can you set up activities? What can you prepare in advance?

Showing up knowing your surroundings and having a plan gives you credibility as a leader in your field. Being credible grants you a certain level of trust right off the bat. Start off on the right foot, and you'll be much more likely to successfully teach.