How to start a Meaningful, Interesting Conversation?

I think one has to start with general topics where you think both of you could relate. Like asking where the person is from, let the person talk about himself, try to also look interested.:) Anyways, here's a list given by someone online on how to start a meaningful conversation. Here are 4 things to keep in mind when beginning a conversation (by: Linda Talley): 1. Open with a meaningful question or comment. Example: Did you see what the Texas Longhorns had to do to pull out the victory last night? Or, The Wall Street Journal had the most interesting article on leadership and integrity this morning. 2. The meaningful question or comment must elicit more than a simple YES or NO response. 3. It must make the person stop and think for a second before s/he responds. 4. It must take the person off of automatic pilot and respond to you as a person vs. a comment or question.