You can try to: 1. ask questions and make comments to get the other person talking. Sometimes, any question or comment can be enough to break the silence and start a conversation, even if it's unrelated to the original comment or question. 2. fish around for a topic that interests them, try different topics until one works 3. the person might just be shy and so doesn't feel comfortable around you. it can be important to open yourself up to them by seeming friendly, nonjudgemental, and a receptive listener
