[berkeshire]

Nice tips, but context specific. In my observation and experience, no rules apply when power dynamics and culture specific nuances are in play.

Examples: A setting where the group has pre-decided to exclude you - think snooty neighbourhoods. Pre-conceived biases cant be overcome. An unruly boss who bulldozes and dominates. A cool crowd that stigmatizes the nerds. Or cultures where fragile masculinity hinges upon dominating at all costs and multiple folks speaking over each other.

Also: these rules are hard to remember and apply in rapid conversation, for folks who are borderline autistic.