Chairperson

Here are some tips on chairing the meeting. 

The Agenda

Follow the agenda and assigned roles in Easy-Speak during the week leading up to the meeting.

Send a reminder to everyone about the meeting on Sunday or Monday including your meeting theme. If anyone cancels it is their responsibility to find a replacement so you should see e-mails asking for volunteers and someone usually will step in. If one of the speakers cancels and no one steps in, we just extend the time for table topics.

Bring enough copies of the agenda for everyone.  

Running the Meeting

Note down any replies you get to the theme so you can use them when introducing speakers. It makes it more interesting to say a bit more than just “Please welcome Rob”.

Arrive early and get the names of any guests so you can introduce them and ask them to say a few words.

Distribute the Agenda

The Sargeant at arms will introduce you.

Welcome everyone to the meeting and make some brief opening remarks based on the meeting theme.

Review the agenda and if anyone is missing get a volunteer to fill their role.

Ask each person with a role up to the podium. Lead the applause as they come up and shake their hand when they arrive. Lead the applause when they finish. You can ask the timer to stand and introduce their role from the table (rather than coming to the podium) so they can demonstrate the lights.

Ask the timer to time the breaks for written evaluation and the 5 minute mid meeting break.

At the end of the meeting ask if there is any further business. If not, declare the meeting closed and bang the gavel.

And finally, be enthusiastic and have fun!