1.Chances are that whatever small-talk you are making isn't going to stick out in anyone'mind a few months from now.Just say whatever comes into your head,so long as it's not offensive or really weird.(Unless,of course,the person you are attempting to converse with is into weird stuff.)
2.If talking over the phone,keep the person involved in the conversation at all costs.
3.Just keep asking them questions;random questions work just fine as long as they are appropriate.The questions should be open ended questions that don't require a yes or no answer.