They believe in neutro-linguistic programming (NLP), which in this case would be Ericksonian covert-hypnosis. The first steps are for the controller to converse with you, preferably seated side by side, and subtly match your body language, which apparently goes a long way toward making most people trust the controller. Then it escalates to things like shoulder taps, often in the context of a joke.
Eventually you feel like you have known the controller forever and are very much at ease with him. Keith is supposed to be a master of this stuff.
Frank Parlato 
Janine Morrison 
J.J. O'Hara 
Richard Luthmann 
Marie White 
Paul Serran
We can see some of these tactics on the clip of KR meeting up with Alison for the first time, at volleyball. He mimics her every movement and uses emotional manipulation by portraying himself as a relatively shy boy.