Most helpful thing I found is to ask ask people about themselves. A corollary is to avoid referring to "I" , "me", and so on. (Not always so easy of you've been spending a lot of time on your own, doing whatever drives you.)
Most folks a) like to talk about themselves (or their interests), and b) are flattered that someone is interested.
I second this. People seem to come with a built-in affinity for probing just how amazing they are. Depending on your agenda, all you really have to do is help them explore that space.
Most folks a) like to talk about themselves (or their interests), and b) are flattered that someone is interested.