LPT: If you ever feel uncomfortable in a conversation because you don't know what to say, ask questions relating to the topic. You'll be participating and seem likable and interested in what everyone else is saying.

Basically play the role of a talk show host. For example, in a conversation about a coworker talking about his sports playing (a subject I know nothing about), I asked how long he played it. That carried the conversation. He mentioned he started as a kid and I asked if he was always focused on that sport or if he tried others. I would occasionally paraphrase what he said as a lead into another question... So you said practices were rough, did you ever get injured?

It's also okay to relate the subject to a personal experience or opinion, but end that comment with a question about them. For example, "I tried golf once and I couldn't hit the ball at all, how long did you practice to get that good at it?"

And remember that the purpose is to get to know more about them and their opinions, so keep the questions focused on them.

For those not good at conversation, practice this technique with a friend.