C is for common, usually people get along because they have common interests, attitudes, or simply put they have things in common. For example, in a grocery store while queuing up to the cashier , you can try to make a not-so-obvious quick scan at the things the person behind you bought. You notice that you have the same stuff with the person behind you. You can start by saying You’re buying that too? or that’s really delicious (if it has something to do with food, obviously) You just don’t know maybe you’ll end up exchanging recipes.

C is also for compliments. Example: That’s a nice shirt your wearing. Make them feel good about themselves. Start with telling them they look nice, or that they are funny. That will put them in a good mood which will make your conversation nicer and easier.

B- basketball Lakers or Celtics? That alone stirs up a conversation especially for men.

Basketball is a very interesting topic. They could go on and on talking about it for hours.

Here are some examples you can use to start conversation about basketball:

Did you watch the NBA game last night?

Whose side are you? Lakers or Celtics?

B is also for Bus stops…while in a bus stops you can use the following conversation starters:

I didn’t think it would be so busy today.

You look like you’ve got your hands full (with children or goods).

The bus must be running late today.

It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh?

I’ll have to remember not to come here on Mondays.

How long have you been waiting?

Alright, now that we’re done with the who, what, where when why of small talks let’s try to make a list of about small talk. Let’s call it the ABC’s of small talk, these are the small talk tips and topics that I have collected from all over.

Let’s start off with A

Age? Hmm not quite safe. In most cultures, I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask someone’s age, because it might be offensive or something.  I think A is for appropriate. You must think of an appropriate topic to start your small talk. Something that won’t offend or make your new friend walk away.(that’s another a-way) .

It serves many functions in helping to make a situation lighter especially when the atmosphere becomes too formal. It helps out break uncomfortable silence between new acquaintances. It also serves to kill time, especially when your hands are tied to engage in something—like I’ve mentioned waiting.  I think small talk is basically to break the ice—break the silence and the monotony of a boring atmosphere.

Source: http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_wh.htm

Small talk just happens casually. The moment you meet a person for the first time, when you see your office mate in the lounge, your neighbour who walks by, or when you are in a party or a crowd and you can almost hear a cricket behind your ear, that would definitely warrant a small talk.