On: Ask YC: Best ways to become socially adept?

[astrec]

I'm with you on taking a buddy - nothing like the spirit of competition to get you over the line.

Tech events are great too - barcamps, meetups etc. You'd be surprised at exactly how many hackers don't just defy the monosyllabic geek stereotype, but smash it out of the park.

[marcus → astrec]

We used to play a game in bars and other places, one friend picks a random person and you need to hold that persons attention for X minutes of conversation. Fail to do it and the next round is on you.

Iterate until you are comfortable with it, and can leave your wallet at home.