Originally posted by: PowerRanger
You're not really gonna be able to get bokeh like a dSLR can give you with a P&S. The only thing you can try with that sign is by using your cam's longest focal length (zoom all the way out) and use the smallest f number. I don't think using the macro function in that particular situation is going to help any, but you can give it shot. As for the subject being off-center, just focus lock on the subject (half-press the shutter button) then recompose.
Shallow Depth of Field (DoF) on a P&S is very difficult because the combination of a slower lens, especially at longer focal lengths, and a smaller sensor generally makes for a huge DoF. It's one of the inherent advantages of the DSLR (faster lenses, larger sensors), as mentioned above. For very close shots, like the ones you posted, a P&S can do that. I remember trying to do the same thing with my Sony F717, which had quite a good range of controls, and it was typically difficult at anything beyond 2-3 feet.
At 10 ft, I'm not sure you can accomplish that with your camera. Follow
PowerRanger's advice above and see what happens. Failing that, you can also selectively blur in Photoshop. It won't be as nice as the in-camera effect, but it will work.
Here's a Depth of Field explanation I found.