How do you introduce yourself?

This is something I do every time I start a new class, whether at university or on a Master's Course. But first and foremost, I want you to know that my goal is not to impress the students; rather, I want to make the class more productive. If it results in me presenting myself in a unique way (which I discovered it does), that is secondary.

Just before beginning my lecture, I usually ask each student to introduce themselves, mentioning their skills and career goals. While they do so, I pay close attention to their names and words, attempting to memorize them all. Of course, it's not an easy task, and it's only feasible when the class size is around twenty students or so, but (despite the fact that I only teach by invitation) I've been doing it for a long time and, while I still make mistakes now and then, I've gotten pretty good at it.

After a few minutes of the lecture, when the students are least expecting it, I call one of the students by name and ask them a question about their career expectations. It's as if pure adrenaline was injected into the students' bloodstream. All of them, because they begin to believe that I could do the same to any of them. Which I do on a regular basis, one by one, as the lecture progresses.

As a result, I have their full attention and participation for the duration of my lecture. When I'm done, they usually all line up in front of the desk or in the corridor, waiting for their turn to speak directly with me, asking questions or seeking advice for their future.