What is the primary role of the chair during a meeting?

The primary role of the chair during a meeting is to facilitate the meeting and maintain order. This involves guiding the discussion, ensuring that all members have the opportunity to speak, and keeping the meeting focused on the agenda items. The chair is responsible for managing the flow of the meeting, including recognizing speakers, enforcing rules of order, and ensuring that the meeting progresses smoothly. This role is crucial for fostering a productive environment where decisions can be made effectively.

While the chair may have opinions about certain motions, advocating for a particular motion is not part of their primary responsibilities. Taking minutes is typically assigned to a secretary or designated minute-taker rather than the chair. Preparing the agenda, although important, is usually a collaborative effort or a function of a specific member or committee rather than the sole responsibility of the chair. Thus, the chair's central focus is on facilitating discussions and maintaining order during meetings.