If you are observant, you’ll get a lot of free information from people’s behavior. The way they speak and write can offer you small-talk starters. Notice if they are left-handed. You can inquire, Is it challenging being left-handed? What pet peeves do you have about it? Does the person have an accent? If so, you might say, I thought I heard an accent. What part of the country/world are you from? or What brought you here? or What do you miss the most about where you are from? or What do you enjoy about your new home?
