What technique involves subtly imitating another person's behavior to create rapport?

The technique that involves subtly imitating another person's behavior to create rapport is mirroring. When professionals use mirroring, they consciously or unconsciously reflect the body language, speech patterns, or emotions of the person they are communicating with. This not only fosters a sense of understanding and connection but also promotes trust and facilitates smoother communication.

Mirroring often comes into play during conversations where establishing a positive relationship is essential, such as in teaching or client interactions. By matching physical posture, facial expressions, or even vocal tone, the individual engaging in mirroring makes the other person feel more comfortable and understood.

In contrast, reflecting usually refers to restating or paraphrasing what someone has said to demonstrate understanding rather than imitating behaviors. Matching can sometimes be used interchangeably with mirroring, but it often implies a more deliberate alignment of behaviors rather than subtle imitation. Synchronizing refers to coordinating actions in time, which is different from the behavioral imitation involved in mirroring.