When someone feels like that they are being backed into a corner (literally or figuratively), 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 may try 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