The key is to get out of your head — thinking about what you want or feel — and take someone else’s perspective. How can you help someone without expecting anything in return? How are others thinking and feeling? What do they need?
You’ll be amazed at the difference.
Don’t talk “random people in public places” — head out into the world, and and engage with the world. There will be some people in those places, and some of them might seem cool or interesting, so say hello — or do something nice for someone. If they appreciate what you said or did, they might continue to engage further. Over the course of days or months, you’ll be talking with friends in public.
The point being the goal isn’t to corner a random person like a dating match. Be organic and open, and in time and with persistence, you’ll end up where you wanted to be.
How is this clown still in charge of anything??
Man — it’s a shame no one could have predicted that!