I took Spanish in high school and college, and I have no doubt that I can make myself understood. But I am still reticent, because unless you have lived in a language, you are right to fear that you might say something stupid or even offensive by accident.

I found that alcohol is literally liquid courage in this context. I did some business in Puerto Rico with locals who, of course, spoke passable English. But one guy and I had a dinner routine. We would have a few drinks, and then he would speak English and I would speak Spanish. Salud y pesetas, y veinte mujeres con quarenta tetas!