Every conversation can potentially deepen connections or create distances.  The voices we use, the words we choose and how we use them to determine the quality and outcomes of our interpersonal relationships. This fundamental concept illuminates the intentional focus on building meaningful relationships between people through our talk.

The SoundWave Arc of Connection shows the 5 different connections that can affect our relationships with others through our talk – Recognition, Rapport, Respect, Trust, and Commitment.

1. RECOGNITION: I See You

Recognising others is to acknowledge, include or notice their presence, value and contributions.  These are some of the key basic fundamental needs in every quality and productive relationship and it is a starting point for all other meaningful connections.

When others feel that we see them through our talk, it affects their sense of safety and inclusion with us.

2. RAPPORT: I Need You 

Creating rapport is the reciprocity of interacting with each other in finding shared interests, common grounds, and mutual understanding in building a sense of positive and harmonious relationship with one another.  It is a necessary precondition for effective collaboration in the sharing of knowledge, skills and resources.

When others feel that we need them through our talk, it affects their sense of empowerment, role and value with us.

3. RESPECT: I Value You 

Respect is the continuous forging of a bond which acknowledges differences in the role and perspectives of each other.  It is a growing appreciation for each other’s qualities and a deepening of mutual understanding.  It is treating each person with dignity, fairness and courtesy regarding or regardless of their position, abilities or background.

When others feel respected by us through our talk, it affects their sense of well-being, self-esteem and motivation with us.

4. TRUST: I Believe in You

People trust us when they experience credibility, capability and compassion when they are with us.  We build trust with others when others experience us as

•  Credible – Being authentic in our talk
• Capable –  Being competent in what we talk about and 
• Compassionate – Showing care and concern with whom we are talking to. 

When others feel that they can trust us in our talk, it affects their sense of confidence, reliance, security, achievement and peace of mind with us.

5. Commitment: I am With You

Commitment is the total unhesitating belief in the cause and alignment of self with the organisation.  Where there is unwavering commitment, it inspires and motivates each other to be dreaming bigger, working harder, pushing farther and seizing opportunities for both personal and organizational breakthrough, growth and development.

Our talk can inspire others to greater commitment.  When others feel that they are committed to us, it affects their sense of responsibility, loyalty, boldness and investment in our shared goals and ideals.