Summary 's Key Ideas from How to Talk to Anyone : 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships
by Leil Lowndes

Whenever you attend a social event, bring something unique to wear or carry. This way, people who spot you can strike up a conversation with an interesting story about your unusual accessory. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice your… what is that?”

Once a month, shake things up! Try something completely new. Join a sport, attend an exhibition, or listen to a lecture on a topic you’ve never heard of. You’ll learn a lot "lingo" or vocabulary just from one experience.

Have you ever noticed how echoing can be a really effective way to connect with someone? It’s all about repeating what they say, but not just the words, but also the way they say them. When you do that, it creates a sense of rapport and understanding. It makes them feel like you’re on the same page, like you share their values and interests.

• If you’re dealing with visual people, consider using visual empathizers to help them understand that you see the world the same way they do.
• For those who prefer auditory communication, auditory empathizers can help them feel heard and understood.
• And for kinesthetic individuals, kinesthetic empathizers can make them feel like you share their physical sensations.

Create a sense of deep connection with someone even if you’ve just met. Confuse their thoughts by skipping the usual small talk and going straight to the deeper stuff. Make them feel emotional by using the magic words we, us, and our.

Never let the phrase “thank you” stand alone. Always follow it with “for”: from “Thank you for asking” to “Thank you for zipping me up.”