I like to test the waters without bringing my snakes into it. :) It's a workaround, for sure, but it helps cut down on the situations where I find myself actually discussing snakes with a snake hater.

I draw, like a lot, I'm always doodling during meetings at work and when I'm out sitting down in public... sometimes I draw snakes. That method worked to alert me to the fact that one of my co-workers is TERRIFIED of snakes, so I don't talk about them or show pictures of them around her. :) My manager is actually intrigued, so I can discuss/show-and-tell with him. The rest of my teammates have no strong feelings either way, so I don't actively insert snake-facts into daily conversations, but sometimes they ask questions. :) And I love answering them!

Another thing I have done with a lot of my friends is simply ask, "How do you feel about snakes?" And then, based on their responses, I know whether it's safe to proceed with further snake-related discussion/introductions, or never bring it up again. I have one friend who loves hearing about the snakes, but keeps rats as pets - so we discuss the snakes, but not their food. :) It all works out.