I disagree, the whole purpose of a first date is to get to know one another a little bit better - if you talk about nothing and just act cocky and funny, then you totally missed the point of the date, she didn't get to know you, and you, probably so busy being witty didn't get to know her.
I would suggest to avoid talking about really intimate things (leave the early life traumas, the story about your ex and the plans for the future aside for a bit) talk about your hobbies, the books and movies you like, if you have any pets you can talk about that. Positive personal experience are also good - if you went on an interesting trip or had interesting learning \ life changing experience.
more important then making a list of topics is remember to be present and listen. Try to enjoy the conversation and the company, if you are feeling relaxed and like you are having fun, it would come out in your speech and behavior no matter what you talk about.
Topics to avoid:
money (If you have it, I know you want to impress but it's really too obvious and boring), ex relationships, family, medical problems, cars.