I think the context varies, it depends on the situation where you are with another person to start a conversation... whether in person or in a discussion group.
I think a good trick is to talk about the weather... that's what I usually do sometimes when I have to talk to strangers or people I know that I meet on the street.

Something like this, ehem

• "Hi, how are you! wow the sun feels strong, it's burning"
• "Hi, nice day... it's cold this afternoon (evening or morning)"
• "Hi, how's the sky, look at those clouds, it looks like it's going to rain"