Personally, if I were the girl, I'd want to hear a hey what's up, name... etc

For me, you'd have to say something that I could take or leave. Don't get in right close to me and don't ask me a question or make a personal remark. Instead, say something outward directed, like "beautiful day! I thought it was going to rain and I would get to go out" or something inane like that. But show with a smile that you are friendly but harmless. Give me time to size you up. But be ready to pursue the conversation if I decide you are safe and not going to annoy me--i.e. if I'm friendly back. But that's just me.

Well you said you are working on your confidence. That is the best thing you can do. Girls like confidence, but not cocky.
Avoid spouting off cheese ball lines, listen to girls.

Be interested

You said you want to be yourself, so just do what comes naturally, if you're an honest guy, (actually being interested in her and not just your own needs) then I'm sure she'll see it. The honest truth is that we girls like guys who are truthful to us and themselves, call it woman's intuition, but we just know if you're a good guy from a simple conversation. Don't try to hard and don't act like someone else, be yourself, you'll find that special girl.

I say if you see a girl in the store like if I am trying to find something and looking in the same section as some other guy if he says something like "man i can't find this what are you looking for" and I think that's cool

So as long as the guys cool, girls are pretty receptive to guys talking or approaching them in public?

Do you get it a lot?

Just start chatting :)
Get a number or email or something

interesting topic this is, I am also a guy, so sorry. Tis rather awkward going up to a random in the street and starting a conversation, as they have somewhere they need to be, and sometimes will not be willing 2 start a conversation with you. Go to a pub/club that a lot of women go 2 and do it there, especially if there is a huge crowd at the bar, so much easier mate

Sorry I'm a dude but one thing I've learnt is girls don't want those ty pick up lines used on them, just go up to them and say hey, introduce yourself and if they got a couple plastic bags with them ( as they come out of a shop) ask if you can help them and show genuine character, because girls don't want a jerk that will come and try the first pick up line they read on the internet.