Problems with Meeting new people.

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Hello Everybody, I'm a relatively new user on this site and would like to ask a quick question.

I'm someone who is always interested in meeting new people, but often times when I try to talk to them, I become unsure of what to say and end up in a very awkward situation. My question that I would like to ask is, What do you think would be a good way to start up a conversation with someone new without making it uncomfortable for either of you,

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Unfortunately, that is something that is strongly situation-dependent. If you were meeting someone at a church, you would want to say something entirely different than if you were meeting someone at a marathon training club or at work.

Start by talking about the weather. That always works.

although it is a good ice breaker in many circles, resist the urge to talk about politics/sex/religion in mixed company, IOW anybody you don't well know yet.

Hm... I just say 'Hi!', but then I tend to be very straightforward and blunt.
Maybe try to act natural? Or does that not work so well?

acting "naturally" works around a few people. good luck finding those few.

It works with a lot of people here in New York City.

how often do you have to yell "HEY! I'm WALKIN' here!"?

The weather is good if you just want to talk to someone, but if you want to become friends avoid it because it's seen as something strangers talk about.

What's acceptable and unacceptable varieties:

Ask about family, if you teenager or younger ask if you've any brothers or sisters, if you an adult ask if you have any kids.
Music is a good topic because almost everyone likes some kind of music
Talk about your favourite TV show
Comment on the situation - "it's busy here"
If you don't know the person ask them there name
Complement them. Avoid complement your appearance if your male, it's seen as flirting

I see most of these used as conversation starters, especially comments about what's going on around people. That's what I usually stick with since it's the easiest.

Sometimes people have asked me about my interests, but we never have any in common so it's a bit of a difficult conversation.

Talking about the weather is a start in the UK as it's constantly changing!

It all depends on the situation you're in. If many environments a safe bet is to ask an opinion opener. Pick something that where there are only two or three possible answers "hey guys, quick question...."

Also, if you begin to observe your surroundings more, you can try a situational opener "that looks a bit weird....."

Then once you've opened, use whatever they say to build the conversation. Take careful note of their words and relate them back to yourself i.e. if they comment on their dog, make a statement that relates back to dogs in some way, anything really. The introduce yourself...

You can take this approach just about anywhere, useful in environments where you won't necessarily see that person anytime soon. However if you're somewhere such as at church or a regular gathering where you know you will see them again, just build it up gradually, first time just say Hi, second time find out one or two more things about them....and try to remember what they say and recall it next time you meet (use a notebook if you need to)....massive rapport accelerator that is!