Not Having Anything to Say But Desperately Wanting To Be...

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I hate not having anything to say during conversations, but I am generally a quiet person because people are often talking about things where I can't think of anything to say to it.

Yes I know you can ask questions and I do that often, but sometimes a question won't even fit or would be so offbase as to awkwardly disrupt the flow of the conversation.

But I've reached the point where that's what I want-I want to make conversation, I want to make lots of conversation. I feel like my main problem is just not knowing about the things people are talking about.

I wish there was a quick fix. I'm thinking about asking a friend if he can just give me a big crash course in everything people talk about on a daily basis. I know from another's perspective this seems like not being myself but myself desires conversation for its own sake. I just want to joy of being a big part of conversations and am willing to learn about anything in order to do it. I just need to know where to start.

In fact I really know little about myself other than that I want to do this, that conversationalizing has been hovering in front of my face since forever mocking me and I want it above all else. So I feel like I don't have much of an identity or self-concept and so wouldn't mind just filling it with the things the people around me talk about.

The worst thing is I'm in college and I don't want this time to go to waste.

EDIT:

I feel like if I knew how to then I would opt to have lots of conversations, to socialize a lot. If I had more of an understanding of lyrics in songs and more confidence I would jam more often with my friends.

I feel like people don't even know that I would and so I feel alienated that people don't know a real part of myself. I hate the assumption that I prefer being quiet.

I feel like nobody can help me.

Only a very confident, good conversationalist converse with each and every person in the room and maintain a good rapport such a person would be usually a extrovert.
If you are quite presumably you are introvert and even i am a introvert.
I am unable to talk with too many people and keep my circle limited to few people though i say Hi or Hello to most of them.
In group talks i cant understand what they are conversing about though my auditory skills are good i cant figure out what they are talking, i cant join in group discussion, i can only talk one to one with a person.
Many people would just keep on talking about one topic and many wash dirty linen in public....
since i am sensitive i think carefully before picking up a topic to discuss.
confidence building or self esteem building could help for that probably theraphy is needed.

When I socialised at university I joined a political group because I felt my beliefs were the same as the people in that group. However I always knew that I was quiet when in that group and could never pinpoint why I couldnt find anything to say. Since I left university I have met a few other groups of people and found some I enjoy talking to more. I have realised I didnt speak to the people in the political group because although we had the same beliefs they were all studying politics and I was studying engineering so the topics they were discussing either went over my head as in I couldnt understand what they were talking about or it just interest me as much as it did them.
Now when I am at work or with people discussing technology or engineering I find it easier to contribute to the conversation mainly because I know that I know as much as or more about the topic of conversation than the other people do. And obviously because II find discussions on these topics interesting and I'd like to learn more about them.
I do think its hard to join an in depth discussion about anything you only have a basic knowledge of so it might be easier and more enjoyable to you to speak to people who discuss things you know alot about rather than trying to learn a new topic just to be able to join in a conversation.

I think most people on this site experience a similar dilemma. The easiest thing I can think of to keep a convo going is to ask questions about the subject they're discussing. Its also helpful to have an "evacuation plan" ready in advance of the convo. If you're speaking to someone you have good reason to believe you'll come to an awkward conversational standstill with, have excuses for why you might need to leave the convo. Before it gets to the point where you're both uncomfortable, have some "errands" always on hand you forgot. Then you can politely exit the convo. I.e. "Hey, its been great catching up but I actually need to get going. I have a doctor's appointment I got to get ready for". You can insert "doctor's appointment" with whatever place or activity is fitting for you.

@DGuru

I have the same problem - always had. The only (partial) solution I could suggest is to stick with people that share some strong interest with you. Student or sport clubs are quite great for that - lots of Nerd Talk to do . In such situations I am still rather quiet, but not completely clueless as when only small talk is going on.

I feel for you - it sounds like you're in real pain.

I'd suggest;
- be up to date on recent news; internet, tv, including sport and celeb news
- imagine how people are feeling, what their concerns and joys are, what their interests are, and ask them about those
- ask some 'open' questions, to allow the NT to show what is on the top of their mind at the moment e.g. "how are you today?"

also analyse your best conversations; what topics and conversational approaches worked?

this is something i also feel, but i managed to work around it with people i know.
i have a facebook account for this exact reason, if the conversation falls quiet, i can ask something like "how was *insert recent activity*", after which i'm good for another 10-15 minutes of "smile and nod".
also, this is why i like my groups to have 2 or 3 others, so there is almost always a conversation going on without relying on me too much, yet the group is small enough to prevent distracting side-conversations.

aside from that, indeed, prepare some basic questions, you might want to watch some sitcoms (friends is a good one for this), and see how they solve awkward silences on there.