crawford,

I am an introvert.  I will suggest two things that has helped me in conversations.

1) Be curious.  Be present.  Be a good listener.  People like to be asked and talk about themselves.  Ask questions about people’s lives, their work, their hobbies, their passions, their activities, etc.  Make and keep eye contact and be present for them.  This helps being focused on the other person and in the present moment.

2) Take an improv class.  They teach you about being spontaneous, in the moment, and having fun.  I loved it.  This gets you out of your head.

Mark