1. When meeting someone, pay close attention to them for at least a few minutes.

2. Establish eye contact, but not too intensely.

3. Estimate their level of energy, on a scale of 1 to 10, then match it.

4. Keep the conversation about them. Be curious. Ask them non-judgmental questions about their current situation, life, etc.

5. Offer a neutral attitude to any surprising revelations. There are always reasons for what people do. These reasons may not seem connected to the present. A person can be reacting to life from behind a filter that is very real to them. Our responses can be different, yet fundamentally, we all want and need the same things.

6. Continue to listen actively. Offer feeling-based feedback (e.g. "I hear you", "That must be frustrating!", "That's exciting!", etc.)