General Communication Guidelines:
Always have a 75% rule: the person should be talking 75% of the time. It is not about you, you are not trying to persuade or even talk to you.
Always be the first to leave a conversation, if they leave first they feel that you are too talkative.
Always end a conversation on a positive note.
Ask about what someone does for a living, then follow up with questions about their passion, why they like or chose the job. Get them to talk. If they talk, listen. Information is key to persuasion and communication in general.
Do not speak too fast or slow, use a voice roll. Every three or four words pause very slightly. This allows the concepts from your conversation to be absorbed.
Do not under any circumstances start talking about yourself unless they ask you or have talked much longer.
Always be sure that you are careful not to cause injury to a person by reckless probing and suggestions. People can remember and may not help you in the future.