I'm a poor conversationalist, how to get better?

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So for all of my life I've been truly terrible at having conversations, almost no matter what the situation. I have insightful things to say often enough and chime in with them, but that's about the extent of my conversational skills. I can't really help sustain conversation, transition into other subjects, or things like that. And I am absolutely terrible at starting conversations, especially with strangers, man or woman (though especially with women ). I'm trying to talk more and practice, but it's only getting me so far. What are other ways I can improve my conversational skills, and what are techniques you all use to keep conversations interesting?