What is the role of the chair during a meeting?

The role of the chair during a meeting is to preside over the meeting and maintain order. This is a crucial function, as the chairperson is responsible for guiding the proceedings, ensuring that discussions stay on topic, and facilitating effective participation among members. By maintaining order, the chair helps to create an environment where all members can contribute respectfully and constructively.

While ensuring equal speaking time is important, it is typically part of the chair’s larger responsibility to manage the flow of the meeting rather than a standalone role. Taking minutes, while essential, is generally assigned to a secretary or another designated individual, not the chair. Creating the agenda is often a collaborative effort, though the chair may have significant input; it is not strictly their sole responsibility. Thus, presiding over the meeting and ensuring order is the primary focus of the chair’s role.