Toastmaster Meeting Roles: the Chairperson

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Sundial Toastmasters club does not use the Chairperson Role in its meetings.  This decision was made primarily as a time saver as we are a lunch hour meeting and have a limit of one hour for the meeting.  The duties for this role for our meetings been split into the roles of the Sgt. at Arms and the Toastmasters. However since we have this data we have included the typical duties for a Chairperson as a resource only. The Chairperson Pre-Meeting Duty:   The single biggest responsibility of the chairperson is to set the agenda for the meeting. This agenda is set according to the roster. The roster is set several weeks in advance by the VP of Education. It is the chairperson's job to call everyone who have a designated role in the meeting in advance to ensure all roles are filled. The chairperson will broadcast the agenda and ensure all members in the club receive it in advance. The most convenient way to do this is via e-mail. During the Meeting: Opening the meeging:  It is the chairperson's first responsibility to the group to be on time and to start the meeting on time. Formally open the meeting with the gavel Opening remarks: In opening remarks, the chairperson also sets the tone and the theme for the meeting. Introductions: The chair person will ask everyone to introduct themselves, and as a question that each person will have to answer. Agenda Changes: Any changes in meeting roles should be addressed at that point. Pass the meeting to the Toastmaster Closing the Meeting: There can be several elements relevant to a meeting close: 1) Conclusion of the meeting's activities, theme and accomplishments 2) Announcements, such as changes in the executive or up and coming contests 3) Introduce the next meeting, the next chairperson and the next theme or events planned Formally close the meeting with the gavel.