[taeric]

Using someone's name is also a good way to make sure you remember it, though. :(

To an extent, I agree with you. That said, protocols are also not a bad thing and socializing is almost certainly a learnable skill.

[fbdab103]

To summarize the book in a line would be, "Pay attention to the other person." There is little formulaic approaches, mostly just advise to stop thinking of yourself throughout the conversation and give the other person attention.