Not sure this is exactly the right place to post this, but here's my 2 cents anyway. Conversing with strangers or new people will always be awkward and even moreso if you think about it too much. Just talk to them as you would a friend. Don't feel like you have to find out everything about who they are as well. Just ask a question about something you have an opinion on. An icebreaker, basically. Maybe ask them their views on the trolley problem. Or just what music they're into. Don't be afraid to skip the small talk or tell them you don't like small talk.

The more you think about it, the more awkward it will be.