Look at the person and what they're doing. Take a moment and think of a way to turn something you see into a conversation starter.
For example, you stop on the way home from work to get gas. You see an interesting person stop in the next aisle. Turn to him/her and ask them about their car. How do you like it? If it's a little car: how's the mileage? If it's a big pickup truck, ask about towing. If it's a sports car, ask how they enjoy driving it. Complment the color. Ask if they got the sport model or not.
Or for example anyone with an accent is an easy conversation starter! "If you don't mind me asking... I love your accent. Where are you from?" And then open the door to talk about their hometown or world travels.
And as soon as they start talking, go into listener mode. Don't make this about you. Don't interrogate. Just show them interest and attention.
People do love to talk about themselves, as long as they feel comfortable. The secret is to figure out things those things are. If they're busy and can't talk, don't take it personally.
Get in the habit of being a bit more outgoing. Strangers are potential friends... go meet them!
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