I was reading a post elsewhere by a guy named Jonathan Aston. He suggested just talking to anyone as prep to talking to HBs... this gets you in the mood of things and gives you an idea of how to talk to anyone-- and not treat HBs specially.

Mystery suggests talking to people in general when he says,

"...getting into a TALKATIVE state by just talking to groups of people (evenguys) is great. this gets you into gear...."

I tried this today and it is golden. People just like to be asked questions and talked to. Afterwards I felt so energized I was approaching left right and center-- but I was more relaxed because I knew I could just approach anyone, anytime ...

Dude, That is so damn true.

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. I work at a great little Home and Garden Center, and I get to meet and talk to many different kinds of people. Some are very easy to talk to and others you have to work on some. Just plain talking to folks has been excellent experience.

yes

You're right... I even found that people who aren't receptive at first (eg ***** shield, or unfriendly) can often be worked on if you are more persistent.

I just hate getting shot down cold, especially if I'm in public. I'm working on just forgetting it, but when the persons's still there, or when there are people that saw me do it... and I can't eject, then it's a bit irksome... But I guess that's what meditation and experience are for.....

yah its very true, the only thing i find hard is keeping it consistent.
some days i can talk to anyone anywhere and really enjoy it, yet other days for some reason i cant be bothered, and it takes a real effort.