[baby]

> And if you do that five times before your big public speaking engagement, you will be far better prepared than if you had spoken to the mirror a hundred times.

That's funny, I have this technique that I ALWAYS use before a date, and sometimes before going out when I want to be on fire. But especially before a date, as I'm usually really nervous, it works like crazy!

So basically, I just have to do 5 approaches. Random people, guy or girl, single or group. What do I say? I just ask for the direction, if I have a date in a coffee, well I just ask the person where is the coffee. It's easy, it makes you speak to someone you don't know, it warms you up.

Also as I'm reaching the 5th approach I try to be more and more talkative about my questions. Trying to ask other question, engage in some other discussion...

My 2 cents!

[wallflower]

This is awesome and I rely on this all the time.

When you are not naturally gregarious, this kind of social warmup is key to getting into the flow and the zone.

I wish your insightful comment was not buried.