Starting up conversations are so easy for some people, me being one of them. The other day I was in an elevator full of people at a business fair. It was awkward standing there in silence. There was a man in front of me holding a box. I asked "What's in the box?" And he started talking with me and filled the silence with some light conversation, breaking the ice.

Did you and the attractive woman just sit at a table, eating, not speaking at all? I hope someone outgoing just breaks the ice with you, if you feel too shy to do it yourself.

It doesn't even matter what you say. You could just look at her, smile, and say hi.

If she seems really closed off and gives you the cold shoulder, then just back off. But I have always found people happy to chat.