TLDR Practical advice based on event type. Feel free to pitch in from the comments. I can edit stuff in later. In fact, I'd really like for this thread not to be a one-way street so gimme all ya got.

Body

Casual party with alcohol: Just have fun.

  • If you know the host, you can help set up.

  • Otherwise, show up usually 9-11 pm (depending on age group and the occasion).

  • Greet everyone you can recognize at all! Whatever past experience you have with them, you can get a conversation going with it. When you first arrive, small talk is your friend. Let yourself shine through more as the night progresses and the fun heats up. And if, at any point, you get stuck in your head and end-up too shy, feel free to fall back on chatting up people you already recognize.

Job Interview: A good fit.

  • Shake hands as you greet them INTO and OUT OF the interview. Touch the webbing between your thumb and index finger to theirs, grasp your fingers around their palm firmly, shake up and down maybe 2-4 times. Bonus points if you look them in the eye and say your name over the first handshake, and look them in the eye and say it was nice to meet them (or something similar) over the second handshake.

  • Gonna be vague with humor because it depends. Just have some taste.

The Gym: Focused or friendly. If you can chat up girls while you pull 6 plates, why are you reading this thread

  • Feel free to ask a ripped dude to spot you on your bench. It's totally acceptable and not awkward at all. Don't be offended if they're busy, but you'd be surprised how nice people are (unless you live in a major city).

  • Watch people use machines that you've never used. Watch people do exercises you've never done. Look them up at home, learn the technique, and try them out. This is how you expand your arsenal and learn new movements. Don't develop an ego and shoot yourself in the foot before you even have muscles.

Meeting girls: uhh hey

  • The shy guy's basic formula: "Hi, I know this is kind of random, but I thought you were cute." They giggle and you roll from there. Simple.

  • When the conversation slows down, get ready to say goodbye. See if she's up to grab a coffee right now, or if not then grab her number and do something over the weekend.

Restaurants: Paying customer.

  • Depending on the restaurant lay-out: Call in advance or ask the hostess, "Hi, how long's the wait for a table/party of one/two/three/____?"

Conclusion

It's not rocket science. Most of this is common sense. Keep at it, and you'll get better with time.

P.S. If I've got anything wrong here, lemme know.