HN user
Why not go to Stanford, learn as much as you can and immerse yourself in the start up culture of the bay area?
If grad school is paid for then going to the bay area is something you ought to do as you can work on a start up and go to school.
In general: Join Toastmasters, it will help with small talk and making speeches. Learn to tell jokes, a conversation is much easier if the other person is relaxed and laughing. Be well read and know how to argue in a non-confrontational manner. It is not always necessary to use the large blunt object to make a point.
If you are looking to get married and you need help meeting someone then google 'Doc Love' and read his free stuff or listen to his internet radio show. I was referred to a counselor for this sort of thing by a friend, the counselor was teaching the same methods of recognizing what is being communicated (by her and by me)
I tend not to notice non-verbal behavior or know what message I'm sending except in formal situations. At the time I wasn't ready for the information so it was frustrating. Later through I was and it has helped.
If you have problems with recognizing non-verbal behavior look into the work of Paul Ekman; again very helpful.