Does this make sense? ??? :)

Of course it does!

One thing you could do is make a list of topics you haven't talked about.  Things like:

any personal things you still haven't talked about--family, childhood, etc.
make sure you ask lots of details about his travels in different countries and what he experience there
what are his hobbies?  you have lots of hobbies, heli, so you'll be able to piggyback off whatever he says, i'm sure
music--what does he like, does he play any instruments, etc.
food!  does he cook?  what kind of food did he eat in all the countries he visited?  again, you love to cook, so you can easily talk it up here with confidence
talk about whatever interesting things/places there are in your city and has he been to them, etc.
aminals?  does he have pets?  does he like them?
admire/ask about something he is wearing

You get the idea...list some things out ahead of time that you would like to talk about and just write them down and keep them some place where you can see them so you remember them when a date comes.  Think of interesting stories you can tell him, and use that to push conversation forward ("has something like that ever happened to you, etc.")  Make sure you talk about yourself enough.  I used to be pretty wretchedly shy, and I think a lot of it was just not thinking to talk about MYSELF.  Ask about him, and then contribute your piece.  Have you told him lots of details about yourself?  Would you say it's been equal?  Also, if you feel yourself getting shy and holding back, just SAY IT.  Guarantee there is nothing that you could say that would put him off, unless you started talking about your Diva Cup or something.  Otherwise, just assume that everything you have to say is super important and awesome.  Because it is!  And he will feel that way if he likes you. 

Also, could you practice conversation with a friend or family?  A co-worker?  Make it a point to make small talk with more people every day.  Like cammers said, practice practice practice.

About the just wanting to be friends---if you told him that, then don't expect him to initiate physical contact.  He would probably be terrified of doing so because he'd feel he wasn't respecting your wishes.  So that's going to be a little more tricky.  If you DO think you like him, then just keep going with the flow, and make sure you use positive body language--look into his eyes, sit up straight, shoulders turned toward him.  Don't be discouraged/self-doubting if you told him you just wanted to be friends, and then he backed off.....because that is what you told him to do!  It doesn't mean he isn't finding you attractive anymore, it means he doesn't want to be pushy and overbearing.  He is being respectful of you.   :)

You could put a few cracks in the "just friends" iceberg if you wanted to by just voicing your feelings--like "I had a lot of fun with you yesterday."   Something easy like that.  Smile a lot when you are talking to him.  Heck, put your hand near his, even if you don't yet feel confident enough to take his hand yourself yet.  If you give him enough signals he will get it eventually, but you have to be clear because after all, you did tell him that you just wanted to be friends, which makes him out to be kind of a cad if he does attempt to touch you again.
This is exciting!  All this is very good for you.   You are growing lots already!   :-*