I ask those questions too, especially when I’m not fully present. It goes better when I ask something less abstract that refers to our shared situation (location, unusual weather, the food if we’re eating, the show if that’s where we’re at).

I’ve checked info I wasn’t fully sure of at train stations with strangers. I had good conversations sometimes because they followed up with something else or offered to let me know when my stop was coming up.

Best thing really is to actually be interested rather than scripted. Or to get there ASAP after the ice breaker.