You can’t remember everything, but at least remember people’s names. Repeating their names during the conversation is a good memory reinforcement. Also, listen with interest, pay attention, engage and be empathetic.

Don’t: check your cell phone or look around the room to se...

Keep yourself informed and speak with conviction. Use words like “I am sure” vs. tentative words like “I think, I hope and I feel.” Use humor, even if it is self-deprecating.

Don’t: Confuse humor with bad joke telling. And don’t overdo on the self-deprecation to the poi...

Be open, approachable, gracious and graceful. Walk up to someone, smile, make eye contact, shake hands. Introduce yourself by saying your name.

Don’t: Overdo it. When you smile, be authentic. If your smile is not in your eyes, people will know you're faking it.

Let the conversation revolve around the person you’re talking to. This makes people feel like they matter and makes them more comfortable with you.

Don’t: Let your ego drive the conversation. 

Like yourself. It’s much easier for others to like you if you like yourself. Be optimistic, enthusiastic, comfortable with who you are and consistent.

Don’t: Trot out all your issues or you risk pushing people away. We all have problems, but compartmentalize them, park them in...