We've all been there: you connect with someone, say 'hello', ask 'how are you', and then the conversation immediately flatlines. Keeping a chat alive requires a bit of effort and strategy.
The golden rule is to avoid closed-ended questions. Instead of asking 'Do you like movies?', ask 'What's a movie you can watch over and over without getting bored?' This forces a detailed answer and opens up multiple branching paths for the conversation.
Share interesting anecdotes about yourself. Don't wait for the other person to carry the entire conversational load. If they ask how your day was, don't just say 'good'. Mention that weird thing you saw on your way to work or the amazing sandwich you had for lunch.
Finally, find common ground quickly. Whether it's a shared hatred for a certain TV show or a mutual love for indie music, finding something you both agree (or passionately disagree) on is the fastest way to spark an engaging dialogue.