I recommend this book: How to Work a Room by Susan RoAne. It's out in paperback.
I want to meet people, but I've always been really awkward and shy, and when I do speak, I struggle for the right words. Things come out of my mouth in all the wrong ways, and I have a remarkable talent for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
I go to social events at my alma mater, and usually there's a reception or social hour of some kind. Beforehand I read newspapers and such, and make a note of what might be interesting to talk about (nothing controversial, just interesting), and what would be appropriate for that company. Then I rehearse approaching people I've never met, and introducing myself and trying to start a conversation. Lots of times I've been met with a cold stare, or a very curt reply, and they walk away. I've learned to think, so what? It wasn't me, it was them. I was courteous, not in their face, I respected their physical space, and all of that. I'm sincerely interested in them, who they are, what their interests are. So most of the time they pick up on that, and they overlook it if I'm a little awkward.
I really have to gather up a lot of courage to do this. All I can say is, work on it. It's a work in progress for me.