Long before Walter Raleigh became Sir Walter Raleigh he was a player.  In fact, that’s how he became Sir Walter Raleigh.  The movie “Elizabeth” takes place in the 16^th century and chronicles the events surrounding the English-Spanish war. 

Walter Raleigh was an explorer who had visited the “new world” and was attempting to fund a second expedition.  He needed the Queen’s help.  He was roguish and charismatic, but not wealthy, but that was all he needed.  He befriended one of the Queen’s confidants who in turn set up a meeting between the two. 

Elizabeth asked him why she should finance his latest adventure.  He thought for a moment, got up, and then began an incredible oratory in rich detail what is was like crossing the ocean and finding land after weeks at sea.  He transported Elizabeth and his audience by describing the experience as if he were taking them on the trip itself.  He explained the feelings of being hungry, not knowing if you would survive, the incredible storms, the feelings of fear and anticipation upon seeing a dark silhouette of land in the distance. 

It was entertaining and captivating not because the subject matter was interesting but because he touched the feelings of Elizabeth and her contingent by relating the experience from a sensate perspective.  He could have easily said “The discovery of the new world is important for England to prosper.  The economic benefits would be… etc etc.”  He instead chose to make it more personal by touching on the feelings of the experience.  As a result, his level of connection with his audience was deepened.

Your level of experience when creating rapport can easily be deepened as well by assuming a more personal frame to describe events in your life..

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