How does one go about making conversation with people?

This is an actual question. I’m horrid at starting conversation with people unless they talk to me first and are decently talkative. For people that don’t know me at least fairly well I probably seem like I’m just a douche that wants nothing to do with anyone. While this is almost true (I dislike many people) it’s mostly that I really don’t have all that much to say. I like to talk to people but I don’t really know what to say most of the time unless they are somewhat leading the conversation. Fortunately people that know me are aware of this but unless someone is stuck in a room with me I think it might be hard for them to get that. </rant>