under-nourished, or punters will despise you for mistreating it.

SMILE AND SPEAK SOFTLY
You'll appear less aggressive and they'll have to listen more carefully to you, which will cause them to slow down. Even if they don't give you anything, say thanks, because they may be round again tomorrow and, next time, think twice about turning you down.

Isn't begging like this immoral? Pan-handlers beg to differ: "We're not conning you out of your life savings and we're not thieves," a London beggar said. "We're simply asking for the price of a cup of coffee.

"Over a day, the price of a cup of coffee multiplied several times will add up to quite a reasonable sum. Which means we'll feel good but, more importantly, so will you for your generosity."