Keigo is hard yards. One fundamental aspect of Keigo is the difference between honorific and humbling language.

The key is knowing about 内 (うち) and 外 (そと): your “in” group and “out” group respectively. You need to figure out what the relative status of a person is to you. Are they 目上 (superior) or equal to you or 目下 (inferior) by this reckoning of うち and そと.

Honorifics

If you are talking about your better, you should use 尊敬語. This is reverential language which shows your respect. So you may not necessarily be talking to the question in person.

So, when the stormtroopers discuss management practice on the Death Star you can bet your arse they are using the 尊敬語 to avoid getting themselves force choked by H.R.

“Mr Vader is a hell of a boss. He sure did kill on that Alderaan deal.”

“Yes, the chairman of the board is very pleased. Rumour is that they will put him in charge of the new subsidiary out Endor.”

Humilty

If you are speaking with your better about yourself then you should be using some 謙譲語.

So when Lando realises he has trouble with an angry wookie guest he speaks of himself in 謙譲語 and of Mr Bacca in 尊敬語.

“Mr Bacca, we traitorous swine here at Cloud City are truly honoured by your choosing to stay with us”

That’s all there is to it. For all the ins and outs of Keigo, then try this page or this one.

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