<p>I have realized that I kinda SUCK at this when I'm talking to people I don't know well. Lotsa awkward silence :) How do you improve upon it? Thanks!</p>
<p>Just use the cliche stuff like, "Do you like this hot/cool/rainy/humid weather?" "What are you plans for the summer?" etc.</p>
<p>If you're not much of a talker--just keep asking questions and let the other person talk.</p>
<p>Be cognizant of what you're saying though -- I'm a lot like you and last summer got put in with a lot of people I didn't know. I found myself saying something REALLY ANNOYING all the time (something like "So, what've you been up to? THAT'S TOTALLY AWESOME!!) and it bothered ME even if it bothered no one else. Problem was, I couldn't think of any better response so I would get stuck with the one that I thought showed enthusiasm, encouragement, etc.</p>
<p>When I'm in that situation I just say "Oh" or "Ok" or "Yeaah" or "Uh huh" or any derivatives of it.</p>
<p>i have the same prob, OP.
but im much more flamboyantly outgoing online.
so sometimes when im talking with ppl i dont know, i pretend that im talking to them online and i just act myself. and i start to feel comfortable in the at-first-awkward situation. usually they like me for who i am. if they dont, their loss ;)</p>
<p>If you're not comfortable around the person...then its kinda hard. Just say things you find interesting...idk, I cant really tell you how to be outgoing; you have to learn for yourself.</p>
<p>I second the advice to ask lots of questions. Let the other person talk more, and not only is the burden off of you, but they will subconsciously like you better because people generally like to talk when given encouragement.</p>