I think the best way would be to speak as much English as possible. I've been learning German for a while now and i've realised that the more i practice talking in it, the more confident i get. When i first started speaking German with people here on Italki, i would be too nervous to speak, and i'd always think in English and then translate it to German, which obviously took time and was also not the right approach. With time it became easier and even though i still make a lot of mistakes, i've gotten better at it and i've actually started "thinking" in German now, too. So really, just try talking to as many people here as possible. Find language partners (it takes some time to find dedicated ones) and try to talk for a little time everyday. Decide a topic for every speaking session. It'd be more helpful if you try practicing the kind of topics you are likely to get in TOEFL. I've never given the exam so i don't have an idea about that but the bottom line is: practice as much as possible! Good luck :)

I think that it is more about social convention. Social norms say that guys are expected to ask girls out, and girls are expected not to ask. If a girl asked, many people would think she was either cheeky or even something much worse. Perhaps that gives you some ideas to expand on? It's interesting that it's the same across most modern cultures.

Try to think of why this is so in your own native language. Can you think of logical ideas in your own native language? If not, I think it will be tough in a second language.

Shadowing would help a lot. Listen to English radio and try to say what you hear at the same speed. This will help you to speak faster, improve your listening, reduce your accent and will make you more confident when you speak. The shadow method is a very well respected technique for anyone with oral difficulties.