What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hypnosis? Clucking like a chicken? Mooing uncontrollably? Or visiting the sunken place as you stir your tea ala Get Out?

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Well, whatever your ideas are about hypnosis or its older, more refined sibling, hypnotherapy, chances are you a missing quite a bit of the big picture. 

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Hypnosis and UX actually have quite a bit in common: A general misunderstanding of what it is, its value, the work required to carry out said mission, and the interpersonal skills necessary to be really damn good at what you do.

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One of the most crucial steps to hypnotherapy is the ability to build rapport with your subject. It’s arguably one of the most important skills for any hypnotist worth their salt. 

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Why?

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Because if you don’t have a rapport with your hypnotic subject, you will likely be fighting an uphill battle during your hypnosis process. Humans are much more likely to cooperate and ‘do as we’re told’ when in rapport with the person directing us. 

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Enter UX user interviews.

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Who will give a more effective interview: the individual who feels that they are on the same page as you or the one that feels suspicious or defensive about your motives?

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When dealing with people, rapport is clutch. 

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Here are a few ways HypnoTC suggests building effective rapport when dealing with clients (or even UX interviewees):

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1. Check your appearance
2. Have positive body language
3. Communicate effectively
4. Remember names
5. Be empathic
6. Mirror & Match
7. Be funny
8. Be appropriate

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I would add a VERY important 9th bullet point from my own experience. 

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LISTEN. Seriously listen. 

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How often do you get someone’s undivided attention? How does it make you feel? Special, right?!

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Listen to what is said, but also to what is not said. And ask questions. The best user interview I ever participated in left me feeling like I’d just been given a $75 gift card for a therapy session.

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Get in there. Your users will thank you for it.

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