My brother used to tell me that he hated small talk because he didn’t know what to say/was afraid of saying something dumb. I would tell him — no one cares what you say, really, they care that you listen. So embrace the “word vomit” and just smile, be polite, reciprocate questions (but listen to the responses too!), and laugh at yourself (self-deprecate) if you say something “silly.” Most people will like you better for it.