It is a lot easier to make a bad impression, then to make a good impression one of the easiest ways to make a bad impression is to be late. There are no tricks or special gimmicks. If it is not ancient history, you may want to review your high school or college yearbook, if your memory needs refreshing. Past school experiences or characters you met along the way, make good conversation starters. Think of questions to ask your date.
People love to talk about themselves.
This also puts more of the conversation burden on the other party. When you are composing your list of questions think of the answers that you would give should your date reverse the question on you. Makes sure you can answer effectively any embarrassing personal details you wish to impart. There will be time for that if the relationship develops. I don't know if I agree about the yearbook idea, but preparing to have something to talk about is a good idea.