johnny196775 said:
Do i need to watch the news or try to find out what is going on in the real world in order to have things to talk about?
In a word? Yes. It's always best to be informed about the things that are happening in the world, but you don't have to be an expert on everything. Skim the headlines every day. It takes 2 minutes. Also, don't be afraid to say you don't know about a news story. If someone is passionate enough about it, they will tell you all you need to know.
Also, (and I say this knowing that some people would be highly opposed to this,) try and know a bit about celebrity gossip and what's happening in pop culture. This is a gold mine of small-talk opportunities because people love to see celebrities in relationships, getting into trouble, and it's an easy way to start a conversation. You don't have to know Katy Perry's entire dating history, but knowing the latest story on her, or any high-profile celebrity, will be good for light conversation.
For example, last night, the CW Network (in America,) had their own awards show called "Young Hollywood Awards" where a bunch of people got awards for being in films or TV or being You Tube celebrities. On the show, which airs tonight actually (Monday,) Justin Beiber was given an award for being (shockingly) a "Champ Of Charity." Knowing this, you could start a conversation with someone you know who loves gossip magazines by saying, "Did you hear that Justin Beiber just got an award for his charity work? After all the trouble he's gotten into lately, doesn't this smell of a desperate celebrity retooling his image?" And people will chime in with their own, passionate opinions.
Keeping yourself aware of what's happening in the world, either in the military, or in politics, or in entertainment, will help you become a well-rounded conversationalist.