Sometimes you will find physiological matching inappropriate or impossible, such as on the telephone when you cannot see the other person. But the pitch and tone of your voice also represent a major part of any communication. And, according to research, this may have more impact than the actual words we say. The more aspects of a person you can match, the more effectively you can create rapport. So aim to understand and match every area. The qualities you can listen for in voice patterns include:
Volume - do they speak quietly or loudly?
Tempo - how fast or slowly do they speak?
Rhythm - can you detect a flowing melody in their sentences or do they pronounce their words in a more separate, staccato way?
Pitch - high or low?
Timbre - what qualities do you hear in their voice? Clear or husky, for Instance
Tone - what emotions do they convey in their tone of voice?
Phrases - do they use characteristic sayings or regional colloquialisms?
Once again, begin by matching one characteristic, then add others as you become more competent. Above all, stay with the flow of the conversation. Rapport has some of the characteristics of dance. Make any changes slowly and naturally as far as you can, and remember not to stray too much from your personal comfort zone.
Volume - do they speak quietly or loudly?
Tempo - how fast or slowly do they speak?
Rhythm - can you detect a flowing melody in their sentences or do they pronounce their words in a more separate, staccato way?
Pitch - high or low?
Timbre - what qualities do you hear in their voice? Clear or husky, for Instance
Tone - what emotions do they convey in their tone of voice?
Phrases - do they use characteristic sayings or regional colloquialisms?
Once again, begin by matching one characteristic, then add others as you become more competent. Above all, stay with the flow of the conversation. Rapport has some of the characteristics of dance. Make any changes slowly and naturally as far as you can, and remember not to stray too much from your personal comfort zone.
