The Syndicate

From the start of a game, try your best to connect with your fellow players with direct conversation, even if some of it isn't completely 100% game-relevant. Learn about them. Share yourself. Make friends, or at least be friendly.

1) It makes the game less miserable to play.
2) If you're town, you can learn effective ways to motivate, pick up, support, and follow your [believed] teammates.
3) If you're mafia, you can capitalize on their mannerisms and tendencies when you need to get ahead.