Learn what people value.
“To lead the people, walk behind them.” - Lao-tzu (6th century B.C.) Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism
Everybody has an opinion as to what adds value to his or her life.  Take some time with the people who are important to you and ask them what’s important to THEM.
 “A person usually has two reasons for doing something: a good reason and the real reason.” - John Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) American financier
Point out their strong points.
“It's always worthwhile to make others aware of their worth.” - Malcolm Forbes (1919-90) American publisher
Learn/identify what’s special or unique about a person and take a moment to point it out.  You'll affect them positively with very, very little effort on your part.
Really listen to people.
Most people just listen for what they need from the other person.  They wait out a string of words until they hear a period landing at the end of a sentence.  Then they deliver the phrases they've been holding at the ready, which they hope will trigger a result and allow the "communication" to stop. 
Learn to listen to what is being said – not what you think is being said.
What if you did this during every conversation or situation you had for the rest of your life?
Facts and information are valuable but are rarely profound.