What is the primary purpose of the Chair in a meeting?

The primary purpose of the Chair in a meeting is to manage and facilitate the meeting flow. This role involves guiding the discussion, ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to contribute, maintaining order, and keeping the meeting focused on its objectives. The Chair is responsible for encouraging participation and helping to clarify points as discussions progress, which is essential for achieving the goals of the meeting effectively and efficiently.

While preparation of the agenda, participation in debates, and recording of minutes are important tasks in the context of a meeting, they fall outside the primary responsibilities of the Chair. The agenda is usually prepared beforehand by someone, and the recording of minutes is often assigned to a different individual, usually a secretary or designated note-taker. Additionally, while the Chair can contribute to discussions, their main focus is on overseeing the meeting rather than engaging deeply in debates.