Step 1) Eliminate any and all items of military or tactical nature.
If you must carry a rifle, grandpa's old wood stocked 270 bolt gun over your shoulder. Do not wear camo or 5.11 gear. Do not roll your AR through a Tapco catalog and sling in a tacticool chest carry fashion.
Step 2) Do not be "cool" or stylish in a gun kind of way. Sure, you can wear your Miculek wannabe S&W shooting team shirt. It's colorful, tasteful, and far from threatening. Wearing sniper this and Death From Afar that will not sit well with non-gunners.
Step 3) Be open, friendly, and approachable. Getting loud, making fun of others (even those in your group), and being obnoxious is not going to make members of the public want to welcome you to their area.
Step 4) Respect others around you and the area you are in. It doesn't matter if you're 100 feet from your front door. Chances are good the people around you will feel that you're invading their territory. Some kind of gathering across town might be a topic of discussion. Some kind of gathering where you live or in places you frequent becomes an invasion.
Step 5) Never argue or fight with those of opposing views. Remember that it's the bigger man who can turn his back. Antis will confront you. Allow them to be the fool. Don't get suckered into an ugly situation. Wrestling with a pig never ends well. If you can't keep a level head, calm voice, and avoid smart remarks, find the guy who can and allow him to do the talking.
Which group looks more inviting to the general public?
or
You have to look at things through the public eye. I dare say the majority of Americans don't hold a forceful opinion in this matter. Be careful that you don't push them away.
Courtesy, integrity, honesty, and respect will open more doors than acting like a thug.