NLP Podcast 3: Rapport, Pacing, Leading

Rapport

In our podcast episode 3, we discuss the topics of rapport, pacing, and leading. Rapport is the prerequisite for everything else in NLP: Our communication only succeeds when we manage to build a trusting relationship with the person we are communicating with. Rapport is the ability to enter another's world and build a bridge to them. When rapport is present, resistance disappears, and the other person can open up. How do you get on the same wavelength as your conversation partner? How does attraction occur? Why is trust so important? These questions are answered at the beginning of the podcast. Afterwards, we cover the basics of pacing and leading. On our website, you will find more information as well as exercises on pacing, leading, and matching.

Pacing and Leading

Pacing means adjusting your expressive behavior to the other person. The other person is met where they are. This also refers to physically adapting to posture, gestures, breathing, facial expressions, movements, or weight shifts. Successful pacing builds rapport. After aligning with the partner for a while and establishing rapport, one can then proceed to lead them (leading) and thereby change the direction of the communication. Leading means guiding someone towards a specific goal or outcome based on rapport and in the spirit of the win-win principle.