I find that most people like to talk about themselves. I go into social situations prepared to ask questions of the people I interact with. I sometimes ask questions I have no real interest in, but sometimes I will get interested. Basic questions like where do you work, what do you do there, how long, what do you like about it? or where did you grow up? small town or country or city? what did you like about it, do you like living here, what do you do for fun.