Show up to the improv lessons offered by BATS Improv (www.improv.org). They teach a bunch of classes in San Francisco and occasionally in Palo Alto as well. I d

Show up to the improv lessons offered by BATS Improv (www.improv.org). They teach a bunch of classes in San Francisco and occasionally in Palo Alto as well. I did this and the lessons are awesome. You are constantly forced to say something - anything - on the spot. Give up the idea of taking it step-by-step, being comfortable, or having instructions to follow. If you want to learn to talk to strangers, just do it. Say something or ask a question to the barista every time you order coffee. Plan on awkward moments aplenty. This can't be avoided; don't even try. Also give up the idea that you need to fix yourself. You already have plenty to offer, as indeed everyone does. As I was told once, "your attention is enough". Just pay attention to people and don't mentally check out when situations get confusing, ambiguous, or awkward. Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times. :)