I find it's best to ask questions. Not basic questions like how's your day going or what's up, but questions that require an actual response. For example, what did you do today? Changing the phrasing usually results in people telling you the story of their day, and and conversational topics are bound to come up!
But I hate it when they ask common question like that. I'm a boring guy, the only thing I did today is the same shit I do everyday. Same for every other "what do you work as", "what are you doing here" etc...
Well put yourself out there a little and make an effort. The other person is as awkward as you. Obviously you did the same usual shit as you did yesterday, school / work and stuff. But maybe something special happened ? Maybe you got shat on by a bird. Maybe you had soccer practice. Maybe you sacrified a virgin for the glory of satan.
Either way, just tell in broadlines, and try to find something that could spark a conversation, as irrelevant as it might seem.
Either way, just tell in broadlines, and try to find something that could spark a conversation, as irrelevant as it might seem.