I find it helps to just be honest about your predicament and social needs. I tend not to talk much in person. I would find that people wanted to talk to me a lot and were forever trying to extract... not so much information, but rather a satisfying period of social interaction.
I think this is the case with a majority of people, they just want to feel some kind of social connection and the information is irrelevant.
I always found that being a transfer of information kind of guy (Like you seem to be) my answers were explanatory yet unsatisfactory leading to social awkwardness.
I noticed a change in the air when I reached a point where I got sick of mindless babble and began questioning their motives.
"why does that even matter?"
"I see a re-occurring theme in you conversation, what is it about this that interests you?"
"I don't really care for great periods of conversation, it tires me. The issue on you mind is this, is this correct? no? what am I not grasping? OK, so It can be reduced to this condensed format? no? please explain." etc
The funny thing is that while you would expect people to be offended and think you are a dick for chopping the fat and being blunt with them. most people in my experience react well to it. They first react a little shocked and stop and actually think while looking a little insecure. at this point I reassure them that it is not a trick question and I am not trying to hurt them or shut them down, I am just changing the format of the conversation to one that pleases me in an attempt to prolong conversation.
At this point they generally realize that I am not malicious and make some attempt to satisfy my line of inquiry. This way, you can actively study their motives behind the need to relentlessly talk while at the same time giving them their needed social interaction. with the bonus of you not being mindlessly bored by the whole affair.
I find that when you strip away the expected social banter, after people get over their hesitation they are generally relieved to talk about real things and they find the experience rewarding and refreshing.(which sadly makes them want to talk to you more, and introduce their friends to you). either that or they decide you are a weirdo and wont come near you again and will warn their friends that you are a strange dork. win win.
You could almost call it the Seven of Nine approach.
Anyway, that's worked well for me in the past.
Trust the validity of your own point of view.
Good luck with it all.
I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are just missing.
