Training Triumphs - #11/31 -Building Rapport Quickly with New Participants

Hello Trainers and Coaches,

Greetings!

"A good relationship starts with a simple hello."

The first few moments of interaction can change the entire dynamic of a relationship. In training sessions, this is even more crucial. You may have a room full of strangers or individuals with different expectations, but the one thing that can bind them together is the connection you create right from the start. Building rapport quickly with new participants is not about impressing them or being the most knowledgeable person in the room. It is about being human, relatable, and approachable.

Imagine you are planting seeds in a garden. Each new participant is a seed. How you treat the soil, the water you provide, and the sunlight you give determines whether the seed will blossom or remain dormant. Building rapport is like nurturing that seed. With enough warmth, care, and attention, it grows into something beautiful, something strong. The same goes for the people you engage with. Every new encounter is an opportunity to plant the seeds of trust, openness, and mutual respect.

I have learned during my journey with Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI) as part of my Soft Skills and Train the Trainer Certifications that people form impressions in the first seven seconds of meeting someone. Seven seconds! In those seven seconds, participants decide if they feel comfortable, connected, and willing to open up. Building that initial rapport has a lasting impact on the effectiveness of your session or interaction. A positive first impression leads to greater engagement, better retention, and a willingness to learn.

I remember the first time I had to lead a training session for a group of seasoned professionals, at Jaipur just after completing my Train the Trainer program from ICBI, I was nervous. These were people who had been in their industry for decades, and I was wondering how I could make an impact in such a short time. The topics that I was going to cover on that day was negotiation skills and psychological contracts (transactional analysis). As I stood at the front of the room, I realized the power was not in knowing more than them but in connecting with them on a personal level.

So I did something simple. I asked each of them to share one personal or professional success they were proud of, and in the end, I shared mine too with their permission. One by one, they opened up, sharing stories of overcoming challenges, reaching milestones, and celebrating victories. In that moment, the barriers broke down. That also help me set the tone for the two topics to be covered on that day. We were no longer just a group of people in a room. We became a small community. That day taught me that building rapport is not about impressing; it is about connecting at a human level, showing genuine interest, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Here are a few simple yet powerful ways to build rapport quickly with new participants in any setting:

Smile and Make Eye Contact: These are universal signals of warmth and openness. A genuine smile can break the ice even before words are spoken.

Use Their Names: It is one of the most personal things you can do. When you address someone by name, it shows that you see them as an individual, not just part of the crowd.

Find Common Ground: Whether it is a shared experience, a common interest, or even a laugh over something light-hearted, finding that common thread helps create a bond.

Listen Actively: People want to feel heard. When you listen intently and respond thoughtfully, it builds trust and shows respect.

Be Authentic: Authenticity goes a long way. People can sense when you are being genuine, and it makes them more comfortable opening up in return.

Create a Safe Space: Make sure participants feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage them to share, ask questions, and contribute to discussions.

Offer Genuine Compliments: Sincerely compliment participants on something specific, like their insights or contributions. It makes them feel valued and seen, instantly creating a positive connection.

Building rapport quickly with new participants is an art. It is not about rushing to get everyone to like you but about creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and respected. When you take the time to connect, to be human, you build trust, and that trust becomes the foundation for everything that follows. Whether you are leading a training session, facilitating a workshop, or simply meeting someone for the first time, remember that the bond you create in those first few moments can last a lifetime.

Are you struggling to build rapport in your sessions or workshops? Do you find it challenging to connect with new participants on a deeper level? I am here to help. Let us discuss how you can master the art of building rapport and create memorable, impactful experiences for your participants.

Reach out to me, and we will take the first step towards transforming your training skills.

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Until next time, take care, keep building rapport with your participants. They will last for a lifetime.

Kind regards,

Dr Shanker Viswanath

Your Partner in Your success as a Trainer / Coach

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