I often see videos on youtube of people who go up to a stranger that might speak the language that they are learning and they try to speak to them, I wondered if I'd be willing to do this.

I had the opportunity not so long ago when I was at a local tourist spot and a group of people were talking in Spanish. Naturally, I started practising my listening skills, since they were just discussing the location and it wasn't anything personal. Then my dad who was also there told them what I was doing and so we started talking in English about the location and the fact that I was learning Spanish. I was too nervous and somewhat embarrassed at this point to speak in Spanish.  I regret not at least trying and have made a promise to myself that next time, I will at least try.  Since there is a convenience store up the street from me, where the owners speak Chinese Mandarin, I was thinking of saying hi to them in this language, once I learn a bit more. 

So, I 'm wondering if anyone has tried this, and if so, how did it go? 

Note: I don't learn English but I'm putting this under English as there isn't a general option.