Whats the best way to talk to someone you'd like to meet?

ive always been a shy person and this has always been a problem for me ,especially talking to girls i think are attractive.In most situations ill just avoid making conversation from the start to save me the rejection or awkwardness.i used to be more outgoing and confident but now a days it feels like ive got nothing clever or interesting to say.id like to become a more social person again and start making new friends and hopefully get a girlfriend but i dont know where to start.any advice or knowledge would be really appreciated thanks.