Be the Perfect Chairperson

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 9:31 pm by Alan

Being a great chairperson doesn’t mean you have to have fabulous public speaking skills but how you present yourself will determine whether or not you are accepted as the meeting leader.  Here are some tips for staying in control:

• Be clear on the purpose of the meeting and the outcomes that require achieving.  This will help you to maintain focus and purpose.
• At the start of the meeting clarify what your role encompasses.  Are you calling the meeting and should attendees report back to you directly? 
• Set the tone early on by greeting people as they arrive and relax the group with some humour.  People can often act guarded and unsure in the first few minutes of a meeting.  Provide an area to get food and beverages as this is often a good ice breaker.
• Have an agenda available either as a handout or on the screen or flipchart.  This will again maintain focus.  Make sure there are timeframes and manage them closely. 
• Start promptly and don’t hang on for latecomers.  If you make a point of starting on time you will set the tone for future meetings.
• Consider the venue carefully.  You need to make sure it is easily accessible to all and has all the amenities you need.  If your business office doesn’t have adequate space consider serviced office meeting rooms.  These are stylishly outfitted and can be set up according to your instructions.