First of all, is this something i want to even be doing?

When i approach a girl, i try to imagine im just making conversation or just talking to a guy friend cause its easier. But still, when i approach a girl, the question of what do i say, comes to mind.

I dont want to giver her a compliment cause thats some typical shit that wont help my situation at all. Its not like giving her a compliment will suddenly make her want to give me her phone number. Do i just say hi to her, ask her what her name is, and move on from there? Cause that kind of feels artificial to me. Ive never once made any friends by being formal like that. And no, im not trying to make new friends by talking to these girls. But i dont want to give off this vibe that im trying to pick her up.

Or should i be?