The Meeting - Duties of a Chairperson
If you are chairing a meeting, your duties will be to:
1. Make sure the meeting starts on time
2. Make sure that newcomers are welcomed and that everyone is introduced
3. Keep to the agenda and timescales (if any) for each agenda item
4. Introduce each agenda item and identify any decisions which need to be made
5. Assist in finding “common ground”, especially in a conflict situation
6. Make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the meeting while keeping (tactfully) to the time scale
7. Make sure that jargon is either not used, or is made clear to all participants
8. Remain impartial in the discussions
9. Keep the meeting focused on its objectives and stop any irrelevant discussion
10. Stop speakers from waffling
11. Make sure that discussion points are summarised and decisions clarified and noted
12. Summarise the actions which need to be taken and by whom
13. Thank all participants for attending
14. Set the date, time and venue for the next meeting
15. Close the meeting.
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