Many of us are too young to remember the old qm book. This book, released in 1955, and revised in 1967, has many spiritual jewels, especially when it comes to giving talks, sharing in the field ministry, and conducting congregation meetings. Below are some highlights from this book's chapter entitled "How to Be a Chairman."
In the first place, the chairman should see that the meeting hall is ready ahead of time. He is interested in being sure that the proper number of chairs are on hand and in place, also that the hall is clean, chairs dusted and everything arrnged orderly. In cold weather he sees that heating in the room is adequate. If proper ventilation is not arranged for and carefully watched and controlled during the meeting, the effect will be either one of stuffiness and drowsiness for the audience or some will be subject to drafts and the danger taking cold. The chairman will be sure there are attendants to watch these things.
Since the talk is advertised to begin at a certain time, it is the chairman's duty to start the meeting on time. He may open with a brief welcome, stating who is sponsoring the talk (the local congregation), the speaker's name and that he is a minister of [Jehovah's Witnesses], and the subject of the talk. But his introduction should be brief, not dealing with the subject matter of the talk, but merely introducting it by title and bringing the speaker before the audience as quickly as possible.
The closing remarks should contain information for those attending that will increase their desire to attend other talks or other meetings of the local congregation, and to talk with Jehovah's Witnesses present and become acquainted with them.
His closing remarks . . . should also be short and to the point. He should avoid commenting on the talk, making statements from it or eulogizing the speaker.
A good chairman, therefore, has much to do with the co-ordination of the program and the smooth operation of everything that is done for the instruction of those attending. He is really a host and should consider himself as such, being on the alert to see that the proper courtesies are extended to all attending.