Pick a setting: places with light, natural openings - library desk, workshop, public event queue.
Open with context: Use a shared moment/topic - “Have you taken this class before?” / “What brought you to this talk?”
Listen, then follow up once: Let them finish; ask one deeper question (“What do you like about it?” / “What surprised you?”). Close with a thanks and a one-line reflection to yourself on what you learned.
Today, ask one new person a context question (“Have you taken this class before?”) and jot one line on what you learned.
Choose public, comfortable settings; read cues and exit politely if someone isn’t keen. Be respectful across roles/ages; avoid personal questions.