Lowndes, L. (2003). How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships. McGraw-Hill.

Mastering First Impressions (The "Somebody" Look)The Flooding Smile: Delay your smile for one second after meeting someone to make it appear genuine and personalized.Sticky Eyes: Maintain intense eye contact even after the person finishes speaking or you look away; this signals intelligence and abstract thinking.Epoxy Eyes: In a group, keep your eyes on your "target" even when someone else is talking to show intense interest in their reactions.Hang by Your Teeth: Visualize a circus iron-jaw bit hanging in every doorway to maintain perfect, winning posture.The Big-Baby Pivot: Pivot your entire body 100% toward a new acquaintance to make them feel like the center of the universe.Hello Old Friend: Visualize strangers as old friends to trick your body language into becoming naturally warm and inviting.Tactical Small TalkMake a Mood Match: Before speaking, take a "voice sample" of your listener and match their pace and energy to put them at ease.Prosaic with Passion: Since 80% of an impression is non-verbal, focus on delivering even "banal" opening lines with high energy and sincerity.Always Wear a Whatzit: Carry or wear a unique object (like an unusual pin) to give strangers an easy excuse to approach you.Never the Naked City/Job/Introduction: Always add a descriptive, interesting detail to geographic facts, job titles, or introductions to provide "conversational bait".Be a Word Detective: Listen for "slips of the tongue" or unusual references that reveal what the speaker actually wants to discuss.Sounding Like an Insider (The VIP Persona)The Swiveling Spotlight: Imagine a spotlight between you; keep it shining brightly on the other person to make them feel fascinating.Parroting: Repeat the last two or three words someone said in a questioning tone to keep them talking when you run out of things to say.Comm-YOU-nication: Start as many sentences as possible with the word "you" to grab the listener's immediate attention and push their "pride button".The Exclusive Smile: Avoid giving everyone in a group the same smile; vary your expressions to make each recipient feel special.Trash the Teasing: Never make a joke at someone else's expense; big winners avoid teasing to prevent social "black marks".Advanced Rapport and Social EthicsSee No Bloopers: Ignore the social fumbles, spills, or biological slips of others to allow them the myth of being "above" such things.Lend a Helping Tongue: If a speaker is interrupted, rescue their story by asking them to continue once the distraction passes.The Broken Record: To end intrusive questioning, repeat your original neutral response in the exact same tone until the inquisitor gives up.Let 'Em Savor the Favor: When someone agrees to do you a favor, wait at least twenty-four hours before "calling it in" to let them enjoy the feeling of being generous.Buttercups for Their Boss: Send complimentary letters to an employee's supervisor to ensure you receive VIP treatment in the future.The Great Scorecard in the Sky: Be aware of the fluctuating "score" of deference in every relationship and act accordingly to stay in the "big league".