I agree, you can always start off quiet anyway, I personally don't consider myself a shy person, but I used to be very shy. I usually still start off a little quiet just to see what kind of person they are, so then i know what kind of stuff they do like to talk about because I don't want to say anything to affend them, even on occasion if I do there is normally a way you can save yourself. Just trust and have faith in yourself, startng off a little quiet in a converation never hurt anybody, once you get warmed you'll be okay.