What's your go to conversation starter with a stranger to avoid small talk?

[Vicarious]

That really depends on the situation. If you're out with friends and end up being alone with someone's friend you don't know just talk about things you enjoy. Don't straight up talk about things like politics because that's kind of a sensitive topic nowadays.

If you try to hit on a girl just start with something light like: "On a scale from 1 to "the human centipede", how close am I to that ass?"

[tokoyo2468]

Share deep thoughts like 'water is just ice soup'

very profound

[[MPGH]Mayion]

"what do you do"
from there i pick up on whatever they say and branch off.
if it's a student, i'd ask: what year are you, how well did you do in subject x, what is your favorite subject, yeah i've always hated it but it is fun, etc
men and women alike. just don't get intimidated and have confidence. also, don't force a topic. just wait until they finish talking and speak. this will show that you have manners, communication skills and prolong the conversation.

[lewpy]

i just start a rant about my erectile dysfunction and if they don't walk away by then i start talking about the lore of bionicles.