Which technique is often used to build rapport between a speaker and the audience?

Using anecdotes to build rapport between a speaker and the audience is effective because personal stories create a connection and humanize the speaker. When a speaker shares an anecdote, it often illustrates key points in an engaging way, allowing the audience to relate to the speaker's experiences on a personal level. This emotional connection can foster trust and empathy, making the audience more receptive to the speaker's message. Anecdotes often evoke emotions, help illustrate complex ideas more clearly, and make the speaker appear more approachable and relatable.

Other techniques like statistics might provide valuable evidence to support arguments, but they lack the personal touch that anecdotes offer. Visual aids can enhance understanding but do not directly engage the audience on a personal level. Formal language may establish credibility but risks alienating or distancing the audience. In contrast, anecdotes create a sense of familiarity and engagement that is crucial for building rapport.