Show a personal connection—ask about their day, interests, or personal experiences to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Use video conferencing whenever possible to foster face-to-face interaction and help build trust. Actively listen and show empathy by acknowledging their emotions and responding thoughtfully. Personalize your communication style to align with their preferences, whether they prefer direct or more conversational approaches. Share relevant insights and offer support tailored to their specific goals, ensuring that they feel understood and valued. Keep the sessions interactive, using tools like shared documents, whiteboards, or polls to encourage engagement.

Building genuine rapport remotely requires intentional effort to foster trust and connection despite the physical distance. Start by creating a warm and welcoming environment, using a friendly tone and active listening to make clients feel valued. Leverage video calls to maintain eye contact and observe non-verbal cues, demonstrating attentiveness. Personalize interactions by showing genuine interest in their goals and challenges, asking thoughtful questions, & remembering key details they share. Use collaborative tech tools to engage them actively, ensuring sessions are interactive and dynamic. Consistent follow-ups, constructive feedback, and celebrating milestones strengthen the relationship, creating a foundation of trust mutual respect

Showing genuine understanding and empathizing with the coachee helps build authentic rapport whether it's remote or in person. Another important aspect is to be 'present' fully during the entire session, which includes active listening, paraphrasing the coachee and paying keen attention to the coachee's body language and verbal expression.