how can you somewhat get rid of shyness

I was trying this random talk thing on the subway train, and someone apparently must have been having a bad day. It wasn't obvious, but I'm not a good reader of body language, so that might be something. It was rare that anyone spoke to me without a "leave me alone" look. Do you know a place I can try this where I might get a better reaction?

@Kronos Striking up a conversation with random people is really a trial and error sort of thing and you won't be successful every time you try. I say that the best place to get better reactions from people are get-together type of events where people are going to want to talk.

@nyanko neko nya: Good idea. Thing is, there are no more get-together events this year. The closest I can think of is if there's a launch party for Pokemon Black & White. I was there for HeartGold & SoulSilver, where I struck up a couple of good conversations.

But in all seriousness, often it doesn't even come down to shyness for me. Not saying I'm not altogether shy though. But at times, it feels like you have to fight for control of the conversation itself. When you're in a group of three or more people, it gets hard to even get a word in edgewise. By the time you're able to talk, the subject has already changed. You can't help but feel like interrupting just to get your say. And it's not like they aren't either. Takes a heavy hand of confidence to get over that. I've learned to at least pay attention and show it. That way, you at least feel a part of the conversation instead of the third wheel. Sometimes it works, other times you just feel ignored. Hit or miss. Gotta keep trying though.

Nothing wrong with being shy. If it is who you're then it's who you're. If you have even one friend you've opened up to then I know for a fact you you will float on okay. Rather than feeling negative about yourself embrace your shyness and roll with it. Let the chips fall where they may. Signed, Shy guy with high self-esteem,

All my life I've had low self-esteem due to being constantly picked on. I've noticed at anime conventions I am more outgoing cause there are people around me that have the same interest. Also I've lost a quite a bit of weight which helped a lot.

do something out of your comfort zone like screaming in public and walking away yes you will get embarrised but it worked for me