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Key here is that anyone can do small talk. You have to have ZERO knowledge about the subject matter. You can just ask questions. Anyone interested in a topic will usually be happy to answer them. This works on anything from sports to cooking to blacksmithing topics. The wonderful thing you find out is: PEOPLE ARE INTERESTING!
Admit your ignorance on the subject and have them walk through explanations. Engage in the conversation by connecting it to any tangential knowledge you have on the subject.
"Ocean kayaking? I've never done that. That sounds exhilarating. The closest thing I've ever done to that was a canoe on a river when I was 12. I'm sure its different but how different is it?"
"How did you get into that hobby?"
"Where in the world have you done it?"
"Any close calls?"
"How important is the right gear/boat?"
"Where would you like to do that in the future?"
See? Zero knowledge about ocean kayaking, but infinite conversation that the other person is engaged with you in. Congratulations you're small talking!
The tips here for small conversation here are spot on. Most people want to talk about themselves and stuff they enjoy, I know I do (but I'm also aware not everything I want to say is what people want to listen to, I love history but it's rare for me to find "openings" to share some of it and people often try to change topics soon after). Give them a bit of room and, if it's something you really want to know more about, ask further.
Fucking hell. I needed that. I've somehow never put that all together by this point