| use an indirect opener to start with, it's a lot easier than direct ones if you're new to playing the game, but it all comes down to practice. once you've engaged in conversation with a set, then you just need to perform the art of chatting shit. about anything. just talk, talk, talk. make sure it's either interesting or funny or both.
an example of an indirect opener i used to use, that shouldn't fail is: "excuse me, how do i get to Milton Keynes from here?" most of the time they will laugh, which is a good sign, but you act all serious and then tell you're story about how this is your first night wherever you are, but you have a new job starting in milton keynes in the morning... all lies, but just general shit chat and a bit of fun for yourself.
eventually, move away from the opener, and just say "so what brings you here?" or something like that, listen to their life story a bit, and then input as much as possible, until you dominate the conversation again (by which point you'll have moved on from needing to get to milton keynes, and you can chat about anything you like).
the best way to do topics of conversation is to pick something either totally made up and fun, or to talk about something you are REALLY interested in, so you come across as enthusiastic and fun-loving. for example, since getting into the game, i have become obsessed with self-improvement and psychology, so i have just started reading books about success eg Gladwell, which is full of case studies (which i find highly interesting), and could talk freely to sets about for ages.. find something like that to set off a spark inside you and talk about it. its the most comfortable thing for you to do, so why make it harder? i hope this helps!
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