Why don't you go to events where fellow nerds gather? I was an outstanding student of Latin, and when I went to conferences for Classics students, I was on fire! All the nerd stuff I couldn't share with the general public made me the life of the party there! Know your audience. Semper ubi sub ubi.

Technical/academic skills are one thing, people skills are another. In truth we need both - though not always in equal measure. Those with plenty of one can usually get by with a moderate amount of the other… It’s great to have academic skills, but you really need to add some “dealing with people” skills to be more rounded without giving up the academic skills. You might be able to improve your people skills by observing the real people around you - forget movies and TV, that’s not real reality… One on one, ask questions of others to find out what they like and ask them about those things. People enjoy talking about positive things in their lives and their interests. They don’t want to hear others go on and on bragging or trying to impress them. You will find that taking a reasonable interest in others will often draw them to you to be friends. But don’t go overboard and become threatening by asking too many personal details… In a group conversation resist the urge to impress others or dominate the conversation. Participate in the conversation where you have something to add, but be aware that everyone has their own opinions and don’t expect to fundamentally change anyone…