The first thing is not to worry too much, because the other person will probably be feeling shy too. It may be easier to get them to talk than to talk a lot yourself -everyone likes a good listener. People will talk more if you ask open questions than closed ones, eg "What kind of music do you like?" may be better than "Do you like Band X?" at first. But ask questions in a nice way, otherwise it sounds like an interrogation!
On your first date, if don't know this person well and are shy, how about going to see a film, or go bowling or something - I know these are very obvious things to do, but sometimes it's easier to get to know a person if you aren't just talking but are actually busy doing something else!
Otherwise, I'd go for safe, general topics - things you like doing, what you do (work, study, whatever) it's not exciting but it breaks the ice. If you like each other, you'll soon feel able to talk more freely.
On your first date, if don't know this person well and are shy, how about going to see a film, or go bowling or something - I know these are very obvious things to do, but sometimes it's easier to get to know a person if you aren't just talking but are actually busy doing something else!
Otherwise, I'd go for safe, general topics - things you like doing, what you do (work, study, whatever) it's not exciting but it breaks the ice. If you like each other, you'll soon feel able to talk more freely.
