How to do small talk?

[DogsLoveLakes]

I’m so bloody socially awkward. I just don’t seem to know how to do normal adult casual interactions without going OTT or clamming up or otherwise embarrassing myself.

Can I ask you to add your top tips for small talk and generally socialising?
Ways to start conversations? What to do when chat dries up? How much is appropriate to share/talk when it’s your turn? (I’m overly conscious of not taking up all the ‘airtime’ but also sometimes overshare) How to hit a balance between ‘I’m fine’ and spilling all my woes? How to end a conversation and move away in a non-cringetastic fashion?
Thanks! Maybe I’ll feel like an actual grown up one of these days!

Much depends on the situation. For instance, an evening out would be different to say, lunch break at a workshop.

I find that whatever the activity is, provides enough topic. If it's work and you don't want to talk about work, you can ask "Did you see X film yet?" and if they say "No" you can then ask "What sort of films do you like?"

This is an open ended question...one which gives the opportunity for more than a yes or no answer.

If they DID see the film, you can ask what they thought of it...particular actor's performances etc...

Other topics can include local issues...'Did you see they've closed that Aldi down...I head they're building an Ikea!" All very harmless.