Underpinning Theory

This video explained how Rapport-Based Music follows the principles of Intensive Interaction and Rapport-Based Communication. I also explained the nature of rapport and how rapport meets fundamental psychological needs. After you have watched the video, make sure to read the linked blog posts, find time with a colleague to discuss the ideas and also submit the revision questions.

Further reading

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Tips for establishing rapport
Tips for establishing rapport

Here are some tips for establishing rapport when using Rapport-Based Communication. This understanding comes from my experience of mentoring practitioners working in a variety of learning disability and dementia care settings. Quite often the practitioners is doing nearly everything right but just misses one of these things which results in a lack of rapport.

Rapport-based Communication – Defining rapport
Rapport-based Communication – Defining rapport

In the approach of “rapport-based communication”, the concept of rapport is defined through the work of Robert Rosenthal, Linda Tickle-Degnan and Daniel Goleman. Rapport exists only between people; we recognise it whenever a connection feels pleasant, engaged and smooth (Goleman, 2006).

3C's of Rapport-based Communication
3C's of Rapport-based Communication

The purpose of the 3C’s is to provide practitioners with a clear practice for creating rapport that is based on Rosenthal’s three ingredients. By knowing the three ingredients and the 3C’s we can intentionally work for better rapport and offer more experiences of connection, communication and empathy to people who are at risk of social isolation.

Revision Questions

These questions are designed to help you remember key points in the video.