Kate,
Here is something that works fairly well in new surroundings.
Find a 'friend' to play with when you are out and about that day. Some one you know who has a strong sense of being, able to holding themself in public, and working off of them.
Observe them for a bit in action, interact off of them with some basic questions...have them ask YOU questions. You don't have to have an accent. Just talk slow, loud and clear.
You can as little or as much as you want. Find your comfort level...It has to be something YOU are comfy with.