Originally Posted by
Berrybean 
I started to feel less anxious at meetings once I started to get a bit more involved in them, because that's when I started getting to chat to people. In the early days that just meant getting there a bit early to help set the chairs out, and staying behind to help wash up the cups. It's easier to talk to people when there is a shared task - no pressing need for eye contact for a start off.
BB
This is what I did too. I always try and get there a bit early and have a smoke/talk before and then hangout afterwards to help with whatever needs done or have another cig/small talk. I'm a pretty outgoing guy though in any setting.