Teach English in Dadukou Qu - Chongqing

Establishing RapportRapport is a process of building a sustaining relationship of mutual trust, harmony and understanding. Rapport is the ability to be on the same level and to connect mentally and emotionally. Having rapport does not mean that you have to agree, but that you understand where the other person stands and are coming from. Establishing rapport between the teacher and students (and between the students themselves) plays an important part in determining if a class is successful and enjoyable. students are more likely to contribute and take part in the lessons when the atmosphere is relaxed and they communicate well with the teacher. Rapport is the key to influence. It starts with acceptance of the other person?s point of view, and their style of communication. Rapport is achieved when two people can see each other?s point of view, appreciate each other?s feelings, and be on the same level. We all have different ways in which we perceive the world and we only trust people who see the world like we do. If we feel understood, we give people our trust and open up to them. Taking the other person?s perceptual position will help us achieve rapport and build trust. There are three basic techniques for establishing rapport, reflecting, language and physical contact. Reflecting is a form of ?pacing? or ?mirroring? and literally imitating or miming the child?s behavior. This technique is probably the most effective way of establishing quick rapport and is the one, used either consciously or unconsciously, by most caregivers and therapists. Another basic technique is language. What we say, how we say it, where we say it, when we say it and why we say it can cause a wide variety of responses from whom we say it to. Incongruent language, when our words do not match what our body is saying, as well as mixed messages, responding inconsistently to behavior or even cause the children a great deal of confusion and anxiety. Congruent and clearly understood language on the other hand is most helpful when communicating with children. Communicating patterns that are non-threatening and non-directive will most often produce honest and genuine responses. Speaking positively and optimistically can help to lighten a child?s mood or help them to relax and speak more freely. Language and its wide variety of uses can assist the caregiver to develop rapport in many constructive and interesting ways. Finally, physical contact is another valuable technique in establishing rapport. Touch or physical contact with someone can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. For instance, a hand on the shoulder, a pat on the back or a handshake can all communicate acceptance, approval, comfort or welcome. A hug, a back rub, holding hands, or an arm around the shoulder, when done appropriately, communicate positive and caring feelings. Children under stress, either physical, emotional or both seem to require more physical contact than they might normally require. Physical contact should be monitored by the caregiver in terms of how the child is reacting to the situation. It can be argued that rapport is the most important individual characteristic in assisting children to change and realize their potentials. This skill of developing rapport only comes naturally to those who have had excellent role models, and even then most of these people are not fully aware of what they do to establish rapport. Understanding in any relationship requires that individuals appreciate and respect the way in which other people perceive them and the world in general. Rapport and relationship building skills can be taught and practiced and perfected. Hopefully the techniques and strategies listed will motivate you to practice and perfect your rapport building skills to help you reach and motivate the children and young adults in your care.