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. 

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