Notes for the Chairperson at a Toastmasters Meeting
shared by Brian
I chaired a Toastmasters meeting for the first time this week. My job as chairperson was made so much easier by a set of notes that were made by a member of our club to assist the chairperson. The notes contain the order of events in our meeting and remind the chairperson of their responsibilities. These notes are so useful that they are used by most members of our club, whether they are seasoned members, or first timers as chairperson.
Here are some excerpts from our notes.
CHAIRPERSON
Thanks the Sergeant-at-Arms, addresses and greats the Assembly and Guests.
Singing of our National Anthem - Please stand for the singing of our National Anthem.
Toast/Invocation - Please remain standing for our toast which will be given by .... Chair leads the applause
Guests - Our guests tonight are ...
Each club has different duties and protocols for their chairperson, therefore, one set of notes can't be used for all clubs.
I highly recommend creating a set of notes if your club members does not have something to refer to. A set of notes will make it much easier for a new member to step up and fill the role as chairperson. A set of notes will also help your club have a more uniform execution of the chairperson's role as everyone will be reading from the same script. Notes should never be mandatory but they will certainly be helpful to those who wish to use them.
If your club does not have a set of notes for the chairperson to refer to, I suggest taking the time to create a set; it will make the role of the chairperson so much easier for everyone in your club.
