How can I bring my true self and connect with people?

I have been trying to make friends for so long. I did went out, talk to random person, approach, and discuss about themselves, but the problem is that I have a hard time connecting with people. Every time I talk, it's always end up awkwardness and I was loss of thought. How could I solve this issues?How can I bring my true self and connect with people?
Just as you stated in your question: Be Yourself. Act friendly, and when you talk to people, don't lose your train of thought. If you see someone who you want to be friends with, plan out on what your going to say to him/her. I know it sounds like a stupid idea, but I've gotten many friends from that technique. Even the most famous girl in my school talked to me and kind of is my friend, like, giving me her email address friend.