answer:I think what you’re talking about is “small talk” which is inherently different from a conversation. Conversations play out on their own steam because they’re about SOMEthing. Small talk doesn’t have to be linear at all, you just have to pick up on one item from each exchange and redirect it. Example. “This is good coffee.” “Where’d you get it?” “Russo’s. Over on 3rd street.” “There used to be a great dry cleaner over there.” “Yeah, I know. I can’t find one in my neighborhood.” “Where’s that?” “Willow Hill.” “I used to know a guy that lived over there. You know Joe Smith?” “Nope.” “Oh. Well, have a good one.” and right there, you have a brief, friendly conversation about absolutely nothing. I know it seems silly, but the basic idea is sound.