A while back I read Never Eat Alone [0], and found it to be fruitful for framing casual social interactions.

Additionally, most other people do not look forward to "mindless smalltalk with strangers". Since it's possible that everyone in the group shares equal anxiety about being there, you can provide a gift to them by asking pointed questions. If it's easy for them to answer, and gives something interesting for everyone else to listen to, it's actually a lot of pressure off the whole group.

The go-to question I use is:

  what's the best book you've read in the last year or so? Why?

Note: This works for me because I am a voracious reader, and am always on the hunt for more good books, so if they can make a good book recommendation, I benefit. YMMV.

Since not everyone reads, that question can be amended to "best movie/tv show/documentary".

I'm often the new guy in certain work situations, and that question has saved me a lot of discomfort.

good luck!

[0] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H6JBFOS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?...