▪ Keep the meeting moving; interest lags when action lags. Get as much participation as you can but encourage responses to be short and to the point.
▪ Speak clearly. If you cannot be heard, you cannot exercise control. If you have a low speaking voice, ask for silence before you speak.
▪ Insist on order. When general, simultaneous discussions ensue, no one can be heard, and nothing can be accomplished.
▪ Ensure that members respect the person who has the privilege of the floor. Side conversations are rude, disrupt the meeting, and accomplish nothing.
▪ Make sure each individual who takes the floor talks clearly and audibly; interrupt if you must and have him or her repeat what was said if you suspect that someone may not have heard it.
▪ When guests are invited to meet with or provide presentations ensure that they know the purpose for their attendance and that members treat those guests with utmost respect. Rude behavior to others is a poor reflection on you, the council/committee, and the LSMS.
▪ Stop aimless discussion by interrupting and bring focus back to the subject.
▪ Encourage full discussion of all sides of an issue but ensure that the discussion does not become uncontrolled and unproductive. Clarify issues, obtain a consensus when possible and then move on.
▪ Do not argue with the individual who has the floor. Ask questions if you disagree but remember as the presiding officer you are to be fair and impartial.
▪ There may dissenters on some subjects. Ask them to summarize their convictions in a direct statement. This permits a more thorough examination of an idea that could be constructive when completely understood. ▪ Aimless discussions may arise on subjects that require study or research. Stop them with the suggestion that a group be appointed to review the subject. This is one of the best ways of keeping a meeting on target.
▪ Hurriedly passed motions do not usually receive the consideration they deserve. Better to table them to the next meeting than to pass a motion you will regret later.
▪ Check at the end of the meeting to see if members feel that particular subjects have been properly covered.
▪ Make sure that members understand any assignments for action or responsibility for future meetings.
Guidelines for Council, Committee, or Section Members Your Chair is faced with a demanding job and has the responsibility of presiding at your meetings and guiding them in such a way that decisions are reached and positive action taken.
As a member of a council, committee, or section your job is important and you can assist in making the meetings as successful as possible by observing the following suggestions:
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software