Have you ever been paralyzed in a social situation? Or perhaps you feel that you can't relate with anything that is being said by whoever you're communicating with. Once they are done speaking there is a silence left...
Perhaps you are the "intellectual type" and what your peer is saying just doesn't match your level of intelligence. In this situation you can remain silent, take on awkward body language and give off the impression that you would rather not engage with your peer, or you may simply engage in "small talk" with someone who may not give it off yet but potentially may be a smart intellectual person too.
As someone who used to hate "small talk", looking at it from the perspective of improvisation or free association, can give this mundane experience new life. Free association has also helped me in meeting girls who are more focused on how you say things than what you are saying.
This is actually a very simple concept but it is crucial for those who might get lost in their head or "think too much". When one is in their head while talking to someone they are no longer listening to that person. So keep things simple! Listen to what your peer is saying. If he says something about how he just got a new kitten from the pet store in the mall, use free association. Talk about your cat, or the last time you were at the pet store, or malls, or ask your peer questions about any of those parts of the story. Simple!!!
An important part about free association especially in a casual setting is that its FREE. In other words don't filter yourself. This is what it means to be yourself and to be spontaneous. When you become free flowing and build some momentum it can be amazing how self-amusement and free association can turn an introvert into the life of a group.
