Helen knew exactly what she wanted to say about the book. She’d even written it on the back of a shopping receipt and tucked it between the pages.

But when she arrived at the library and heard everyone laughing around the table, she nearly went home. She’d spent years letting other people speak first. Most of the time, by the time she felt ready, the conversation had moved on.

There was an empty chair beside a woman in a purple cardigan. Helen put her hand on the back of it.

“Is this seat taken?”

The woman looked up. “It’s free. I’m June. Have you been before?”

Helen shook her head.

“Neither have I,” June said. “I got here ten minutes early so I wouldn’t have to walk in after everyone else.”

Helen laughed. She’d spent those same ten minutes sitting in her car.

She listened for most of the evening. Then someone said they found the main character hard to understand. Helen had underlined a passage about him. She opened her book.

“I think he wanted his daughter to ring,” she said. “He didn’t know how to ask.”

June turned to the page Helen had marked. “Would you read us the bit you mean?”

Helen’s voice wobbled on the first line. By the third, she was thinking about the father in the book and how much he reminded her of her own.

A few months later, Helen noticed a man standing by the table, holding his book against his chest. He kept looking towards the door.

“There’s a seat here if you’d like it,” she said, pulling out the chair beside her.

I know how much courage it takes to speak when you’d rather keep quiet. I was shy growing up, and I remember how often I wished someone would make it a little easier to join in.

It’s why I’m thinking about starting Unmasked Community, a small group for people who want to feel more comfortable around others.

We’d practise everyday things like joining a conversation, speaking up in a group or asking someone to have a coffee. You’d be welcome to listen first.  I intend to have workshops, and get special guests on board, however I need to know firstly if I have the time, and secondly if there is a need.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, send me a message. Or you can register. markaistonmedia.com/community

Don't worry, you won't get spammed I promise.

In the meantime tell me about one situation where you’d like to feel a little braver. I’d love to hear from you.

Mark