Of course there are the basics like family composition, schooling, hobbies, books, movies, etc., that you shouldn't forget. Here are a few other tips to make that first date conversation flow.
Listen to what your date says
The greatest conversation sources are waiting for you to jump on them. Just listen for follow up question openings and thenfollow up! For instance, your date tells you about his childhood in Albany and since you've never been there you ask more about the city, state, region. If you have been there, ask for more information on what you didn't or did see.
The offbeat news find
Best-of-Craigslist, popular picks on Digg.com, and CNN's Funny News are great sources of interesting conversation topics surely to entertain most of us. Get a quick read on the internet that day so that you're prepared with a few stories to fill up those lulls in the conversation.
Researching your date's interests
Find out from the friend that set you up, his profile, or on the phone before you meet what his interests are. This way you can research beforehand and come up with intelligent questions to ask on the date. He'll be impressed.
Nightstand: Look at yours
Just like you, your date will be preparing questions for you too. Think about what it is on your night stand, the CD that's currently playing in your car, the last vacation you took, and on and on. In other words, for every question you ask him you should be able to answer yourself.
Tell a few jokes
Don't start now if you rarely tell jokes. But if you know you're funny and your friends normally laugh at your jokes, you're probably safe.
Avoiding these things
The ol' saying that politics and religion shouldn't be talked about in mixed company stands true for first dates too. Although these are things important in deciding on your mate, it's a great way to scare someone off before they get to know you well.
