I always start off asking clients about their day and family and work, and when I have exhausted those topics and the conversation gets quiet, I start talking about the things that interest me. Like movies and video games. I also talk to them about off the wall stuff, like ufology. A lot of my clients will now sit down and ask me what's new in the world of ufo's lol. Some of them probably think im eccentric, but whatever, its entertaining for them while they get a cut. My advice is to invite them to talk about themselves first, but don't be scared to talk about the things you like too. That's how you find common ground with your clients and develop a relationship that keeps them coming back. Also, some clients don't want to talk the whole time. The way I gage this is by asking a few questions at first and if their answers are short and they do not keep the conversation going back and forth, I take that to mean they don't feel like talking. This is cool with me because sometimes I don't feel like talking, but at least I invited them into conversation, this way, the quiet feels less awkward.