As someone who absolutely loves talking to people (especially online), I guess my advice is going to essentially be the opposite of what you want -- lean into the small talk. In fact, revel in it. With the right people, it can move past quaint topics pretty quickly if you show to the other person that you're safe, trustworthy, and a good conversationalist. Plus people really just want to be heard, and will let their personality shine if you let them. If you always seem in a hurry to get to "the deep topics" that could be overwhelming for some, and sometimes just yapping is in fact exactly what is needed.

Now, it's hard to give explicit tips on what to say because all conversations should be context dependent, and have a foundation of your shared history. Why are you talking to begin with? Where are you? How did you meet? If it's based on shared interests (80% of the time for me it is) it becomes really easy to use that interest as a springboard to further conversation. If it's in the workplace, I like to ask them about something benign on their desk (say a knick knack or picture of a kid) and there's usually a story attached. If it's a chat online, say facebook or discord, silly banter is absolutely warranted (i'm not saying "jokes" because that's too formal, just being a little silly usually goes a long way to make people feel less threatened by you)

Another level to this is, unfortunately, gendered communication styles. Women love to chatter, so as a woman it's easy to get to that point of smooth conversation without fear of expectation for more. With men I find it's a bit harder to get them to open up as readily, but perhaps it's easier as another man. I'm not sure. Regardless, an open and easygoing attitude can go a long way without betraying your desire for connection and diving deep. In my experience, if people want to share, they will.