Encourage the other person to open up and talk about whatever interests him or her – careers, hobbies and interests. Ask questions and give him/her your undivided attention. Let them know that you find them fascinating. With this, you have to be well versed in a lot of things, try picking up a couple of books or listen to the latest news, just so that you can also respond to what he/she is saying. Also, If you are to give them compliments, one good advice is to make it personal, for instance, instead of saying, “those earrings are nice,” say something like, “you’ve got a beautiful smile.” Now, after reading all of this, don’t expect yourself to be an expert yet. Knowledge alone will not make you the best. You have to go out and practice all that you have learned. Hope you picked up a thing or two from what you’ve read.