How do you get on the verge of sleep?

I have read a couple of induction techniques that have a step required to get of the verge of sleep. The area of half-sleep and half-awake I guess, I can't really explain it well, How would one get to this phase? I try to keep my mind busy but I end up falling asleep.

It just takes some practice. Try being a passive observer as you watch yourself fall asleep normally. What happens to your thoughts when you go to sleep normally? At what point do you lose awareness? When do your dreams begin? Try observing, like this, after a well timed WBTB. Find a time when you know you will be entering directly into a dream, without much transitional NREM space.

I'm not too experienced, but just dont think about anything and lie still for a a couple of minutes. Usually by this time there will be a stream of random thoughts that enter you mind. I think that is being on the "verge of sleep".