Which practice is effective for building rapport in conversation?

Showing genuine interest through active listening is an effective practice for building rapport in conversation. When individuals actively listen, they demonstrate that they value the thoughts and feelings of the person they are communicating with. This behavior makes the speaker feel heard and understood, fostering a sense of trust and connection.

Active listening involves not only hearing the words being spoken but also paying attention to non-verbal cues and responding appropriately. This creates a more engaging and meaningful interaction that can lead to better relationships. In contrast, using complex language to impress might create a barrier, dominating the conversation can shut down interaction, and strict formality can make the environment feel rigid, all of which can hinder rapport-building.