Don’t Overthink It :

To break the ice with a stranger or an acquaintance, comment on your shared situation. For example, commenting on the conference talk you've both just listened to, or the traffic or weather. You can also try giving a compliment, or ask the other person something about themselves....

After having introduced yourself, you should find something in common that connects you right away. 

It opens the door to more conversation--and keeping words up is key when you first break the ice with a person.

Sandstrom says in her experience, she would describe the stages of having a conversation with a stranger as follows:

First, they look at you as if asking, “Do I know you?” Then there’s recognition they don’t know you.

Then it’s, “Wait, are you a weirdo?”

The...