In my early 20s, I volunteered as a counselor in the maximum-security section of a state prison. Because I was limited to speaking through a small window, I had to learn to build rapport with inmates very quickly. Since that time, these lessons have helped me continue to build influential relationships and serve people through my leadership.
Building rapport is making an emotional connection with someone. It’s essential in communication and leadership, because people won’t take what you say to heart unless they feel an emotional connection.