During an interaction make sure to never block the fire exit. By this I mean make sure that the other person feels like they have a safe and easy way to exit the interaction at all times. This rule relates both to literally blocking their path away from you as well as verbally pressuring them into staying.

When someone feels like that they are being backed into a corner, or that there is no way out of a room which might catch on fire, their primary focus will be on finding a way to potentially escape. However, if they feel like they are in control of a situation and free to come and go as they choose, then they will be relaxed and can fully focus on your conversation. When a person initially feels pressured like you are trying to entrap them in some way, they will instinctively default to the safer choice of escaping the interaction rather than taking the risk of staying.

Show that you don’t want anything other than a conversation. That your not there in need of a favor, their attention, validation, approval, etc.

You can create a comfortable environment and provide value by simply being an enjoyable nonjudgmental person who wants or needs nothing from the other party.

Full video on how to start conversations with strangers: https://youtu.be/mmMGaCUpWPI