I tend to shoot first then show the photo to the person and offer to either delete it or email it to them. So far I've had great interactions with people doing this. No one has asked me to delete their photos and now that I have their email address I have a way to reach them if I want to get a release at a later date. Plus they are usually thrilled that I am just giving them the photo, not charging for it.
In some settings, if the person sees me about to take the photo I will point to the camera with a questioning look on my face like I am asking if it's ok. So far, I've only gotten yes nods.
In other settings, like at a group function where I am acting as the recorder for the event, I will announce up front why I am taking photos and ask if there is anyone that doesn't want theirs taken. If anyone says no I will tell them that if they accidently show up in one of the shots that I will delete it. That seems to put people at ease.
When I first started out taking photos of people in public places it made me pretty uncomfortable. I just try to be as respectful as I can. What I find is that most people tend to actually like it - especially if you have a camera that makes it look like you know what you're doing even if you don't, like me!
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