Is it possible to learn how to be good at banter and small talk?

Study what people are talking about, listen to them, pick up the general vibe. Then replicate. Much of it is just filling silence with mindless shit. You ask about their weekend even though you don't really care. You talk about the football last night that you didn't watch. You comment on something in the news. It's that kind of crap. The sort of stuff you'd say to someone at the bus stop to make it less awkward when they try to engage you in conversation.