This made me smile because my nephew is one of these people who would rather say anything than nothing at all so if he is in a situation where it is too quiet and no one is speaking he will spout absolute rubbish which is even more embarrassing! I think we've all been there, confronted with someone we have nothing in common with and have to fight for conversation. I always try to ask a person general questions such as their name, where they come from etc. but if they only respond with short answers you are fighting a losing battle! Sometimes it can be someone you know but don't get on with and I find that kind of situation awkward. It's probably better just to tolerate the situation and try and find a way to move away from people like this but don't feel you're the only one that gets in these situations, we all do from time to time. If you are talking about someone you like romantically this can be awkward too but that person is probably feeling just the same. Just be yourself, try and relax and show them in other ways that you like them, smile, ask them how they are, what they have been up to and eventually the conversation will start to flow.