How to Panhandle

There are a number of reasons why you might need to panhandle. Whether you are mugged in unfamiliar territory, simply forget to bring change for the bus or a pay phone or must rely on panhandling for income, there is a definitely an art to the world's second oldest profession.

Instructions

1. Find a high traffic area. Whether you're panhandling to people on the road or walking down the sidewalk, it's a matter of sheer probability that an area with a high concentration of people yields more earnings.

2. Tell a good story. In most cases, you can convince people with a good yarn. If you simply demand money, most people are put off.

3. Get a sign. If you are begging from drivers, a sign is essential. Try to think of something clever and charming. People are more likely to respond to something that makes them feel good, not guilty

4. Play an instrument. If you don't have a good story or a sign, music is another good way to get peoples' attention. Though technically this might be called busking, it's in the same neighborhood as panhandling.

5. Make eye contact with people. Though many people may look away or ignore panhandlers, many feel compelled to give if they make eye contact with the unfortunate person begging them for change.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay away from slogans which might possibly annoy your audience, such as "Why Lie? I need a beer." While this seems funny at first, it confirms the worst suspicions of the majority of people from whom you are panhandling.