I am a person that can speak with anyone..
I also still live in my hometown so I am always one of the organizers for reunions.. Plus I do special events and have a great memory of people.
There are a couple of ways I start a conversation with old classmates, even the ones, I just knew in passing.
Hi Jerry! I am L. (Maiden name) I remember you. You were always so funny in Advisory. Do you remember Mrs. Smith? She was always forgetting her glasses were on her head..
Or Hi Jerry, I remember you, I am L. (Maiden name), you probably do not remember me, but you were always so nice and I remember you were so smart. Always in the Honor Society. How have you been? What are you up to?
Hello Sarah, You look great. What have you been up too?
Hello Sarah, gosh you still look like you did when you were a little girl. Where do you live now..
I tell them who I was and them tell them how I remember them, then get them to talk about themselves..
If they are with a spouse, ask the spouse where they went to school and thank them for joining all of you. Ask them their professions, if they have children.. Where do they now live. What did they do when they graduated.
Hopefully it will allow them to ask about you.
For the people I do not remember very well, I admit it.
Hello, My name is L., My maiden name was .. I wonder if we ever had classes together? Where you in band? Drama, student council.. whatever..
Once you have done this couple of times, it really becomes easier.. I then like to grab people that are passing by and also introduce them to the people I am speaking with.. so they can also speak with each other.
You will be amazed at how people seem so grateful that you recognized them, spoke to their spouse, or even just told them your name..
On the name tags we always use the old Yearbook photos (just copy them), so they will recognize us from High School or College.
You can do it. Just write down some natural questions so it sounds like you. Then refer to them every once in a while.
Hope this helps.