How to talk to a girl?

For some guys talking to a girl comes naturally but for some the thought of randomly approaching a girl and trying to start a conversation is nerve-wracking. But as humans, we were not meant to live alone. What are the steps should we take at the time of meeting girls?

a simple 'hi' works. you dont always have to be witty and clever. i find this interesting because i never know how to approach a guy so i guess i should take my own advice ^^ but then again i get nervous when trying to talk to anybody. not just guys.

I'm bad at approaching random girls. I usually wait for them to make a move to show interest. Online I can talk to girls in a friendly manner but I'm not good at showing that I'm interested, I'm always paranoid about sounding creepy or something, so unless they flirt first, I usually get friend zoned.

Just walk up to them and talk. Its not that hard. If you have buddy to back you up its even easier.

I would assume talking to them like any other human being? I understand for some people of opposite genders they feel a certain pressure while talking to the other gender but I mean for the most part no one really cares. We're all social creatures that interact with one another so just don't think about it and treat everyone equally and as you would want to be treated. You don't have to force a conversation, just imagine yourself in their position too. If you show your comfortable and relaxed they'll most likely loosen up and act the same as well.

I spent many years being self-conscious and having trouble approaching people, even of the same gender. But once you shake it off, it really isn't that big of a deal. Now I can and do approach girls here and there, often just for friendly chatter. That was a big step for me because of my speech impediment, but in the end it's really not a big deal when you get down to it. If you really can't loosen up, maybe a drink or two will help. If you have friends that are noticeably social, hang around them a bit. It will start coming to you naturally too. One thing you can try is approaching a girl you have no interest in or ulterior motives for. Just a stranger that you know will come and go whose judgement is meaningless. There's little pressure this way and mistakes won't matter. A convention is a great place for something like that. Just little things, like making remarks about their cosplay or asking if you can take a picture of it (maybe even together if you feel a little bold), or perhaps commenting about something they are buying. Pushing the conversation from there isn't too hard. Things like "what's you name?", "where are you from?", or "what are your favorite [anime/manga/games/books]?" It's only difficult if you allow it to be. It's probably going to be a little nerve-wracking for anyone, just some a lot more than others. Sometimes you just have to make yourself do something even if you find it a little intimidating. And frankly, what do you have to lose? Maybe a teensy bit of pride if they reject you? Forget it and live a little :)