Since your example of a good method for introducing yourself to a stranger and starting a conversation is dangerous, I thought up with one on my own.

Walk up to some one who looks available for a conversation, say Hi my name is _______ What do you think about _______ If they don't have any thing to say, either ask if they want to talk about anything or talk about about your own thoughts on _______. If they tell you to shut up or if they leave, find someone else to try the method on.

The only problem is it relies on someone being available, and coming up with a good ______ you can both talk about.

What do you think?
that method seems all wrong for me