When considering how to build positive relationships, a key is to understand how to build rapport. Building rapport is simply the ability to know the art of questioning technique, communicating verbally and non verbally effectively, employing listening skills, maintaining a positive and transparent attitude.

These are skills which help you to develop strong relationships with others. When used correctly they encourage a positive emotional bond or friendly interactions between people based on a mutual liking, trust and a sense of shared understanding.

Here are some ways to assist you in building positive relationships

1. Ask Questions

Building rapport through questions is much like a person conducting an interview for a newspaper or someone recruiting for a job.

Take the pressure out of everything by not asking direct questions at the beginning. Ask gentle questions around areas where you have common ground. Equally ask questions about their clothing, their interests etc. These questions can then be followed up with related questions.

Always strive not to ask questions which could lead to arguments or make the person feel uneasy. Stick to topics of common ground.

2. Maintain a good attitude

Do all you can to relate in a manner that is respectful of the other person. Have a positive attitude. Most people can tell almost immediately if you have a negative attitude. It will repel people from you. Everyone is deserving of a chance.

3. Communicate openly

Encourage the other person to share without inhibition. Sometimes a person's like of experience, shyness or timidity can stop the free exchange of ideas. Assist them by communicating effectively. Help them by the way you smile, look into their eyes. Give reassuring nods also help to relax the person.

4. Listening skills

Be an active listener. Don't focus your thoughts on what YOU will say next. Listen to what the other person is saying and take your clues from there, while also noting the body language.

For instance, when a person's persona alters, it might mean you need to change your approach. You may even need to give them a room to exhale.

On the other hand, if the other person is leaning towards you, following your every word and communicating with you as if you were old friends, BINGO. You've built rapport!

5. Leave a nice thought

Leave a nice thought with the person. When you do this you sow a positive seed. In other words a good memory is sown into the life of the person. What better way to build rapport.