I'd also add, make sure the students see the dialogue, conversation in action....and I don't just mean a dry, listen to audio run.
Role play with the teacher as model for one. Two, lots of videos out there. Real English has some good stuff in that vein.
3. Nothing kills conversation other than it being two scripted. Really throw wrinkles into it and a blank cloze works wonders. But also extend, change names (to famous people) or situations/scenarios.
4. Nothing kills conversation soon than students who don't know how to reply or question. Teach questions and make it an expectation that they ask questions during a conversation and also use the uh huh uh huh....(even do the song- lots of fun that one!)
My few quick thoughts...
ddeubel
EFL CLASSROOM 2.0