What is the role of the chair during a meeting?

The role of the chair during a meeting is primarily to lead the meeting and maintain order. This involves guiding the proceedings, ensuring that the agenda is followed, and facilitating discussions among participants. The chair is responsible for recognizing speakers, managing the time for each agenda item, and making sure that the meeting adheres to established rules and procedures, typically outlined by parliamentary authority.

In maintaining order, the chair helps to create an environment where everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute and keeps discussions focused on the current topic. This leadership role is crucial for effective meetings, as it ensures that all members can participate in a structured manner and that decisions are made efficiently.

While other roles such as taking minutes or voting may be aspects of the meeting process, they do not encompass the primary function of the chair. The chair may participate in discussions, but their main focus should be on facilitating and managing the meeting rather than engaging in every conversation.