bassie

Hi Andrew
Interesting mail!
Just some ideas: If you know in advance you will be 1 on 1 maybe you should have a few questions ready. You don't have to feel you have to do the *talking*.
Most people like it when someone shows interest in where they grew up, what their occupation is,the family they come from, the school they went to etc.
I don't mean that you rattle it off one after another.

Imagine you say "I'm always interested to know where people come from?"
The other person answers (hopefuly ).
You might know something about the place or not have heard of it before so you respond with a comment or further question like "that would be a cold place I imagine" or "what a great place to live" or "that's one place I've never heard of". Almost always you will get a response that you can get along a bit further with.

If it runs a bit dry have another *indication of interest prepared*. It really is true that people do not get asked much these days. Many people have no time to listen to others. I mean listening to the simple things of life. If you become someone who does you will be enriched.
Once people are on a roll of recollections it usually takes only a slight indication of "go on.." and you get them feeling you really want to know.

Try to give a relaxed impression like having your hands loose and leaning or lounging a bit.
Hope it helps.