I've been in and out a shyness rut, too. Ultimately, if you are sick to death of it enough, you may just start taking chances and start speaking up for yourself. I know the anxiety that comes with being in the room packed with strangers and everybody talking at the same time! Have a seed of courage and hold on to it. "Hello" is a good place to start. From my experience, people love to be asked questions about themselves. We're all human, friend.