Starting the conversation with an informal greeting

Inquiring about someone's health, mood, or life in general, is always a good way to engage in a casual chat.
"Comment ça va?" is a familiar approach to ask someone how they are doing.
It is usually answered by "très bien" which means - very well -
                                          "bien" - well -
                                          "Comme ci, comme ça" meaning - so so -
                                          "mal" - not well -
                                          "très mal" - not at all well -

Even if you know very little else of the French language at the moment, I am sure whoever you are talking to, will be appreciative of the effort.

"Comment ça va?" 8x12" poster with Pronunciation