How do I avoid awkward conversations while networking/catching-up?

Going through the placement process at my bank and I am generally not the best at networking/catching up with people I don't know very well. Not very good at leading conversations. What are some tips which can help me avoid leading conversations towards a dead end?

Was fine through the interview process because I didn't have to lead the conversations but have had a couple of conversations now and it feels like I am tasked with leading the conversation and the more conversations I have the more I realize I suck at these. 

Would really appreciate any help. 

 

I am curious but it feels like Q&A more than a conversation which I have been told isn't how the networking call should go. How should I make it not feel like a Q&A and more like a convo instead?

I am worried that these calls would hurt me more than help me lol. I am really worried that I will lose my FT before I can earn it lol. 

 

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