Learn how to be honestly invested into people you talk with:

• ask them meaningful questions about them.
• aks them openended questions.
• ask them subquestions.
• find a topic they are really interested and sparks a joy in their eyes. And go deeper. Try to learn.
• ask why question. “Why do you like about this the most?”

For kids I usually go with what is your favorite school subject? Why? What is the best part? Why?.. For grownups ask about their hobbies. Why do they like them? What is the best part?

This is the single most important advice. This is about them not you. And this will forms deeper connections.

Extra: Simple smile can really make a strangers day.