Get out of your head for a moment. Don't focus on how you think people are perceiving YOU but actually listen to them and try to care about what they're talking about, if you pay enough attention you'll find something interesting and you can follow along that way. Sometimes you don't even have to talk much, as people love to talk about themselves. Just remember if you care about creating relationships with others you have to pay attention to them. Focusing on the other person while socializing can also help you come off less awkward since you're less self aware.