I have no trouble with small talk. I find women easier to talk to than men generally speaking. WD is right in that asking other people to talk about themselves is a no brainer.
When I was in Toastmasters there used to be Table Topics. Each person gets to answer a random question posed by the Table Topics Master. No ums, ahs or pauses allowed. I am never stuck for anything to say. Having said that I am acutely aware that I should not talk too much. I will shut up now!
