“A great way to open a conversation—even a business conversation—is to notice an item that relates somehow to the person you’re speaking with. It could be a drawing on the office wall, a desktop pencil holder made by a child, a squash racquet leaning in the corner of the room. Make a comment that shows interest, admiration, or warmth. Or ask a question of a similar kind. “That’s a beautiful picture. Who’s the artist?” Or “What a thoughtful gift. Is that from one of your children?” Or “Squash? Isn’t that a hard game to learn?” There’s nothing profound about any of those remarks. But every one of them shows a basic, personal interest in the other person, and it connects in a positive, tasteful way.”