How can I talk to strangers?

Hello folks, I'm a 20 year old guy from San Diego. Two things I'd like to mention first -I've had somewhat of a history with psychedelic drugs, and I consider myself an introvert. Now these two things coalesce so that in public, I usually take the place of a quiet guy in the corner, reading a book and glancing up to watch other people interact. I'm not exactly shy, and people really fascinate me because they're all so different. The problem is, I just watch them, and they seem so STRANGE and DIFFERENT than myself. I know that this is both true and not true at the same time. I would like to be able to walk up to a cute young lady, a decrepit old man, or a thuggish youngster and be able to break the ice with them. But I have little confidence in myself and even less in my conversational ability. Please, psychoanalyze and advise me.How can I talk to strangers?
It takes practice. At first you won't be that good at it . BUT the more you do it the better you will get. So start doing it.....doing builds confidence. Practice.......you will get better.....How can I talk to strangers?
Yeah!

What she said!





...Confidence begins with one step. The most accomplished people in history are also the ones that have failed the most. But, unless you try, and try... and try, you'll never accomplish a thing.



I'm also one that studies people and.... (huh! it's funny I'm also from San Diego...) ...I also have difficulties approaching others, I think this is deriving from seeing so many types of people. You've obviously seen how different people can be and also I'm sure you've noticed the inconsistencies in the stereotypes. This inconsistencies are the main reason behind our inability to approach others. Since people can be so different we have no idea how any person might respond to our approach, so we play it safe and stay in the bleachers.



What you have to realize is that, no matter what you say or how you say it, you will still be the same person regardless of their response. In a way you kind of have to view them as specimen, and you have to experiment with different approaches in order to find the consistencies. Try approaching the same ';type'; of person in different ways. IE: approach an old man, in a vulgar manner. Then approach another old man in a very polite manner. Then approach yet another old man in a semi-retarded manner, and yet another one in an intelligent manner.

You'll see different responses, but you'll also see many similarities. Along with the effects you have in their interactions with you, you'll notice the effect that your studies will have on your own outlook.

Once you perform that experiment, experimenting with females will be a piece of cake, and you can eat it too...



Also, notice that when you approach people, you're not being your true self, you become different variations of yourself that have different effects. This makes it easier, because you're no longer embarrased of what they might think of you.



Good luck, and have fun!!!
It is not easy and because people are friendly does not equate to being a friend. Talk about general subjects but NEVER give personal information. My friend gave to much information that his co-workers began vicious rumors to include most managers.



Do NOT mention that you had used drugs in the past because it will be used against you.



Do not try to hard and I recommend that you start with family members so you can practice. Even people your age will not speak to you so take your time.



Take a course in Speech Communication such as Interpersonal Communications.



Good luck.
be simple..

ask what is it, how are you?. simply smile and say hello.

not everyone is gonna be willing to talk to you, but some are.

like if you're on the bus or waiting in line for somethin...smile and be polite.

also if you start talking to people dont share your life story with them right away, it might scare some people off..or might be taken back by it.

keep it casual.



before you approach anyone, tell yourself that you'll do just fine and you have nothing to lose.

a stranger isn't your friend to begin with, so you have nothing to lose.
One way is to overhear the conversations of strangers. If you see two ladies talking about a TV show, you can find the right time and chime in on the same topic.



Asking for directions can be a good lead into a conversation.



Look at what people are reading. Bring up a topic about that.



Anything works, especially if it gets the other person talking about themselves. People love to talk about themselves!
i saw alot of good answers but not the easest say hello to everyone . when eye contact is made say hi .
Try this site, this company join's together sigels from san Diego by holding events each month. You can meet new people from here, Maybe if you went to these events often not only will u find someone single but you will gain more confidence in meeting new people. PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT

good luck



http://www.sandiegosinglesclub.com/

Some of the text on the web site reads...,......



';San Diego Singles Club for local singles and couples who

have single friends. We will have several organised events each month. Come join our events for a no pressure fun way to meet San Diego singles who like to party! We will have parties at the best lounges, dive bars, clubs and limo party busses!!!

Right now we are accepting memberships for free! Sign up today and meet the hippest, coolest people in San Diego';
Why on Earth would you ask a bunch of strangers to psychoanalyze you? I too have done psychedelics and am more into my art than other people , just go up and say hello, ask a question. People are strange, wonderful, frightening, maddening, beautiful, and ugly. People waste a lot of time wondering what to say, hello is a great place to start...
I can identify with this talking to strangers thing. It's so easy yet it's so hard because you have to overcome the own barriers inside your head.



There's a site called Real Social Dynamics (google it). The main focus of it is learning how to become a really cool social person who others enjoy the company of.



I know some people who will go out to clubs on their own -- which most of you might think is sad or whatever but they have so much fun because they don't NEED others (security blanket). They ARE THE FUN.



Just start saying things that pop into your head. Not everyone will be receptive to you but that's part of it.



You could speak to 10 people and 9 of them will ignore or tell you to go away but if just 1 is a good interaction then its worth it.



When you are being served, just ask the person how they are doing, if they've been busy today. Light hearted stuff, a little banter is great.



Just see how many strangers you can make smile.



I'm doing exactly the same and my next big thing for me is putting my head on the chopping block and striking up a convo with a girl (no specific girl) I'm attracted to and making it clear that I fancy her.



A lot of the not wanting to do this comes down to FEAR. Fear of rejection, the best thing you can do is accept ';rejection'; and you'll learn from what you do.



I really do wish you the best of luck. :)
Didn't your mother teach you that you aren't supposed to talk to strangers?