Completely agree with this, especially asking people questions. A few other points on that: -The questions should be genuine, so that you deliver correctly and

Completely agree with this, especially asking people questions. A few other points on that: -The questions should be genuine, so that you deliver correctly and learn something -The questions should mostly not be yes/no answers so the conversation doesn't die -Make a game of it after you ask a question to see if you can keep it going for another 30 seconds. Example: you ask the grocery store clerk how to find a good cantaloupe, he/she shows them to you and shows you how to tell, you say "the last few times I picked terrible ones", then you ask when they're in season...etc Other ideas: -Older people tend to be nicer and more accommodating and less rushed. It could be worth trying to talk to older people who are less intimidating if they're not in your peer group, and working your way down in age as you build confidence -Do you even remotely like any sports? Can you handle a beer or two? Find a classy bar that's not too crowded that plays sports games. Sit at the bar and watch and slowly drink your beers. Ideally not many people are there and you can comment on the game with the bartender or another person sitting next to you. Can be any sport tennis, golf, soccer, whatever