I was at the dentist office around Halloween, and there was an old lady in the waiting room with me. She was a small talker and I learned something from this exchange.

"Oh, don't their decorations look cute!"

"Yes, I love Halloween!"

"Oh, yes, all the kids in their cute costumes. Do you have children?"

"Yes but they are older now, youngest in high school "

It was like she had practiced for a long time, wasn't like she was intrusive or pushy, just light conversation, and it is a SKILL not a talent. You can do it. Look around and comment on something. Practice.

Also find people who don't need the silence filled, people who like to just sit with you and not talk, not everyone needs that small talk - I think it's fun but don't need it, am comfortable with silence too. Just remember it's a skill you can learn, like cooking. You can even learn to enjoy it if you don't feel like it's mandatory.