How do I become more outspoken in large groups of people that I don't know?

My family is very quiet naturally, so I am not so used to talking in large groups of people. However in one on one situations I am fairly good. I feel as if I ask way too many questions and never have enough input into conversations because people don't seem interested in what I have to say. I would like to be someone that is the life of the party but people never seem interested in the stories that I bring up. Is there some way that you can make yourself more interesting and outspoken in a large group of people?? Thanks