This was very informative and it soiunds like you have found what works for you.
After taking some of the training modules I got the idea to use namecards on the desks (there was a module with a Harbard business school video and the teacher had name cards on the desks). I tried this in a class of 24 - we had PCs on the desks and I wrote the students names really large and was connecting the name to the face as I tried to memorize the name. I also asked for nicknames and one stduent shared how his Nigerian name was constantly hacked by teachers - and so that was a chance to bond right away as I asked for help pronunciating.
I thne used the name sheets to take attendance in the second class (hand delivered the name cards) and by the thrid class did not need them at all. This worked so well for me and I plan to do it again and again.
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I also like how you shared that you give your brief history (school and work) and I usually share some of this in tidbits, but preferred to really focus on the course contentl howeveer, after learning about how students really value the backgorund and experience of the instructor I plan to share a bit more of my work experience and a few deatils about my doctoral jounrey. I know that we stil have to find what works for us and our style - and that ties into my favorite thing about this comment by Daniel Johnson - and why I chose to chime in - because there seems to be so much passion and joy in his role of Educator - as he shared hiss first day of class activities were noted as a "big hit" it was just refreshing to sense that he really enjoyed this - :) (so nice)
~y.p.
