The common advice that I've heard in various products by RSD and others states to approach the first group or person in the bar/club. I totally agree with this. But the goal is to get into 'state' which means to me a talkative, social mood.

But wouldn't it be more useful to be in this talkative mood all day and try to get into it before you even set foot into the club? I can understand getting into state in the club if you've been playing WoW all day or something.