Okay, I'll bite. Think of it this way-- this is great career fair practice. Realize that the sorority members will be introducing themselves to you, introducing you to their sisters, etc, but you don't have to rely on that.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to make people think you're a wonderful conversationalist is to ask them questions about themselves. People love talking about themselves-- it's their favorite subject. Think family, friends, background, interests, hobbies, skills, involvement on campus and off, the list goes on and on. I have about 8-10 standby questions in case a conversation doesn't "spark" so to speak, or if there is a lull in it.
One fortunate part about being a woman is that in my experience, we tend to want to make people feel comfortable, even in awkward situations. Most women, even shy ones, will try to make a conversation with you just to fill the silence. My biggest advice is just to take a deep breath, relax, don't talk to fast, and really, really listen to the person with whom you're speaking. Conversations are like trees, from each topic there could be a multitude of other topics to which you can travel. Ex:
Rusher: So Jane, what dorm do you live in on campus?
PNM: Oh I live in Penn dorms.
(Rusher could now ask Jane about whether she chose to live in Penn dorms, whether she gets along with her roommate, whether she likes her RA, whether she's close with the people on her floor or not, etc.)
There is no one perfect formula for a conversation, but with active listening, keeping calm, and good give and take, I think everyone can become sufficient at it. Also, though it doesn't help a ton for tomorrow, try to strike up a conversation with people that you meet during the day. It could be the person in the elevator, the person next to you in class, the person who held the door for you, the person taking your order at the deli, etc. Try to think of topics then, because the more that you practice the more natural it gets. Best of luck and let us know how it goes.
