Genuine Engagement

After the introduction, skip autopilot. Most people ask "So what do you do?" Try "What's keeping you busy these days?"; it invites a story, not a job title.

A high-impact first-impression skill is remembering and using someone's name. Say it once when you meet them: "Great to meet you, Sarah." Use it again naturally in conversation. People often pay more attention when they hear their own name used naturally.