I have heard that women talk about two times as much as men on average.
How do you talk to a woman? Let her do quite a bit of the talking, but you need to pay attention to the details of the conversation and let the conversation flow from one idea to the next instead of jumping ideas often. It's pretty much the same as talking to a guy except women will notice body signals and tone of voice more often than men.
It's easier said than done. I find myself forgetting things sometimes, because I'm afraid I might run out of something to say or blurt something out that's stupid; I have to focus on what to say before I say it . If I can stay relaxed, I can at least pull it off.
It's funny really... I have heard conversation between people is ~94% body language and 6% actual conversation. I think I analyze a little too much sometimes, but if someone greeted you happily v. sadly, who would you want to talk to more?
Take yourself in from their eyes, and try to see yourself when you attempt a conversation. Are you giving off signals that show you're nervous or that you want to be alone? Do you intimidate them with that scowl on your face? Are you crossing your arms(a sign of defensiveness; I really have to focus on this as I do it all the time to make myself comfortable)? Eye contact, probably the biggest one of them all; looking into eyes is the hardest for me... I must focus on this or I will avert my eyes from theirs. I remember this quote: "The eyes are the windows to the soul" and it feels exactly like they're staring into me; it's so creepy!
If you master body language... somehow I think the words would just flow from people's mouths. I'm no master at conversation or relationships, but I'll tell you that there is more to it than just words.
Coming up with what to say. How about something that has happened to you instead of them? It won't look self centered as long as you let them give opinions and talk in the conversation. If they don't find an interest in what you have to say, you could leave them alone or try to change the subject to something about them or a general idea. If they still don't want to talk, it's best to leave them be. They most likely wanted to be left alone, and they won't think you're weird for trying to be friendly. Of course, you could tell that from their body language, if you can read it, in the first place!
Wow... when I type thoughts connect so much better than when I try to think about it. I need to listen to my own advice...