回复：礼节美语：Getting Noticed at Meetings in a Positive Way （听力）

To get other people's personal data is not easy and kind of like a spy activity. In my opinions, news especially local news seems a good way to break ice with strangers.

People just can't stop talking about gas prices, stocks, sales, newly opened restaurants, etc. These topics are general ones, nothing personal, so you don't have to worry about getting on someone's nerve without even being conscious of it.