Conversational cues

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Over time, I've gradually learned some rules of thumb in how to conduct a conversation.

Here's a good list writings on conversational cues, both verbal and non-verbal.

I'm not usually one for starting conversation in real life. I find greetings awkward.
However, I do start them sometimes. In typical Aspie fashion, I don't say "Hello, how are you?" in real life. I tend to ask another question, or make an observation relevant to that person, or tell them about something that we are mutually interested in.
For instance, I start a conversation with one of my friends at least two or three times a week when she is at her locker after school. Sometimes I ask her a question about something that we are both interested in, such as a specific music artist. Other times, I tell her something about what I found that day or what I have observed. It is a fairly quick conversation; nearly thirty or forty seconds in duration.
As far as longer conversations go in real life, they aren't too difficult for me if they aren't personal, small talk "conversations." I prefer deep, long-winded conversations that have a blantant purpose (such as exchanging factual information or humor, etc.) over "How was your day?" in real life.

On the internet, though, I am better at small talk, though still not the best. In real life, I just sit there and look at the person sometimes, not knowing what to say when they ask "How are you?" or "How was your day?" But on the internet or in any form of written communication, I feel more comfortable saying "I am well today, how are you?"

~

So yeah, I'm still pretty Aspie-ish in my conversations, but people don't really seem to mind.