Meeting President Obama?

(Image) - Sen. Barry Goldwater and friend (that's me) at a public TV studio in Tempe, Arizona. Circa 1962.

Now For The Contents At-A-Glance:

a) What strangers are paid to talk to you?
b) Why is watching tiny facial muscles crucial?
c) When is energy more important than loudness?
d) How do you sit when you are meeting a stranger?
e) Where should you form words in your mouth?
f) How can you convert a stranger into a new friend?

You have every right to fear striking up a conversation with strangers. It's not easy, especially if you think you are shy or if you come from a background or culture that says, "Don't speak until spoken to!" or as a young person you were told, "Never speak to strangers!"

My virtual coach, T. Harv Eker (www.peakpotentials.com) and I say: "Don't believe what I say, just hear (read) what I say!"

Try these 7 tips and see if they work for you?
Let me know if you feel happier meeting new people (strangers) for the first time?

* Experiment. Start with strangers who are paid to talk to you. Food servers. Airline agents. Receptionists (on the phone and in-person). Help - desk people - the live ones. Even telemarketers.

* You can combat your fear of talking to strangers by doing a few minutes of home work. Think about whom you might have to talk to the next day. Write on a 3x5 card timely and brief ways to say hello. Practice in front of a mirror saying them in your own words

* By Phone. Give the stranger 110% of your undivided attention. For example try volunteering friendliness by saying: "Thank you for taking my call," "It's great to hear a live person's voice!" If you don't think the stranger is receptive to "small talk" stop trying. Try someone else.

* In-Person. Make full eye contact. Look the person "in the eye" and read tiny facial expressions. You'll know in a "blink" if you have scored a "home run" or a "foul ball." A little humor there.

* Make Sure You Are Being Heard. Don't shout. Instead increase your energy level. Seated? Cross your right leg toward the person when the person is to your left. Cross your left leg when the person is to your right. Your body now says you are giving the other person your full attention.

* Form Your Words Far Forward In Your Mouth (lips/teeth). Americans are especially "lip lazy." Use 'em or you lose.

* Show Enthusiasm & Friendliness. Or don't bother. You have a winning smile that lights up your face. Use your smile a lot.

* Bonus Item. Don't say, "Hot enough for ya?" "Having a bad day?" Instead try, "It's a pleasure to hear a friendly voice or see a friendly face." Or "Thank you for answering the phone so quickly." Or "I believe you have helped me before."