It's an excellent environment to learn. You are usually not with people you work with (unless you go to a club that is inside your company - which I would not recommend). Not being with people who are your co-workers - gives you the freedom to screw up.[1]

For a book on public speaking, I highly recommend this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Speaking-Secrets-Masters-Techniques-Pr...

Because it has a lot of different perspectives and views on how to do it.

If you go up to the mike at a public meeting and ask a question or state an opinion, that is public speaking. Try it, it's kinda scary but you might get addicted to it.

For conversation, the best technique I've learned to start a conversation - don't start with a question - that puts the person on the spot right away (for example - 'What do you like about this painting?' - what if they don't like the painting?, 'What books are you reading?' - what if they don't read books?). If you ask a question, you are asking someone to contribute right away - you need to start the conversation - you did approach him or her right? Instead, start with a context-sensitive statement ('I like the brushstrokes in the painting. It makes me feel like I'm watching an action movie.' - 'I don't read enough books. I feel like I need to find a new genre to read').

Also, for conversation, avoid the "God perspective". A lot of people make this mistake in conversation. See, I just intentionally used the "God perspective". Let me try again - "I feel that a lot of people try to come across as experts - especially when meeting new people - 'This restaurant is the best' and sometimes I think it backfires and just makes them seem insecure, seeking approval'.

Practice hearing people talk about feelings. From guys talking about their favorite team to women talking about shopping, there is always an undercurrent. The secret to relating to someone, to getting along with someone is to acknowledge how they feel and tell them how you feel.

[1] Also http://rejectiontherapy.com