How can I leave an impact in a conversation?

We have conversations with peers, friends and clients each day. This interaction gives us an ideal opportunity to increase the stocks of our "personal brand", to leave a positive impression for them to relay, to leave an impact. Here are some tips I have garnered:

Use Descriptive Language - the more tongue in cheek the better
Use metaphors, similes and analogies to describe concepts.
- It is a tenous plan - It doesn't hold water
- Using the wrong approach - Using a screwdriver to hammer a nail
- It is the same - It's six of one and half a dozen of the other
- Encourage - add fuel to the fire

Use Examples
Use the phrase "I CAN GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.." or "LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.."
Followed by a concrete easy to grasp example.

Smile :)
This makes others comfortable and thus encourages them to share more.
This also increases your likability which is key to getting your point across.

Always Playback
This encourages you to listen attentively and capture all key points.
This shows the listeners that you care and builds rapport.

So, what you are saying is ..
So, let me just playback what we have discussed ..
So, let me see if I have captured this correctly ..
Would I be right in saying ..

Articulate fully & fluctuate tone + strategic pause
Listen to all the great speakers - Bill Clinton, Obama, Churchill, Blair - They all articulate their words fully and fluctuate their tone. They use strategic pauses to capture listener's attention.
Conversely, think of your most boring lecturer, didn't they speak with a monotone voice!?

Ask Questions
Show you are interested by asking questions. Also, it keeps you focused by knowing you have to ask questions.

1. Why is that?
2. What are your ideas /opinions /thoughts) on _________?
3. What did you mean when you said __________?
4. Why is that important/ essential/ relevant in your opinion?
5. How does that look /feel/ seem to you?
6. What are some examples of _________?
7. What’s your definition of __________?
8. Can you elaborate on _________?
9. What does _________ mean for you?

Show you are listening
Use gestures to show you agree, understand and are interested:

• Right, OK, Yes, Sure, I agree, That is true, Oh really, I see, That is interesting,..
  

• Could you possibly illustrate with an example, explain further,..