your goal is to break the silence, when you say hi, it’s fight or flight brain for them, most people will say hi back and if there’s any interest a conversation may occur
Discussion
If you want to build an instant connection with someone, the most sure fire way is to be vulnerable. Almost to the point of speaking a random thought in your head out loud even if you think it might be risky to put out in the world. You just never know what results you will get and you’ll never learn if you don’t try here and there. Really you haven’t got much to lose, good or bad impression is something at least compared to nothing on the sidelines of life.