The president or chairman of any large corporation must run its meetings in strict accordance within the rules of parliamentary procedure. The standard reference book for parliamentary procedures can be found in Robert's Rules of Order, which can be found at your local library or bookstore. The president or chairman must control the meeting politely but firmly and be neatly dressed in the proper clothes for the time of day and the type of meeting. If you are elected chairman of the board of any organization, holding one or more meetings a month is average. If the organization is of considerable size or importance for example, a hospital or community-fund drive, the meeting should run with some degree of formality.


The room should be ready for everyone that is going to be involved in the meeting. A clean pad with a sharp pencil or pen, as well as copies of the minutes of the last meeting and the agenda for that day. When everyone has arrived ( you shouldn't have to wait more than ten minutes for latecomers) you say, "Will the meeting please come to order?". I would personally add a welcome before to initiate a sense of belonging from the chairman or president such as "I'm very happy to see and glad everyone made it to the meeting." Afterwards, you go over the read minutes of the last meeting. If no additions or corrections than you bring up the business to be discussed, following your prepared agenda. It is the duty of the chairman to control the meeting by making sure to see that those who indicate by raising their hands that they wish to speak are recognized one at a time. If arguments develop you must, by interrupting if necessary, prevent any heated discussion or chaos during the meeting. If possible wait for a break in the speech but if the speaker is too excited to pause, you can break in and say "Mr. Jones can you please confine yourself to the subject?". In a professional setting no one wants to see any mayhem so do not forget to keep your poise and remember that you have the control.

By directing the discussion firmly along appropriate lines, limiting speeches and staying in charge, you can be assured that the success of the meeting should go as planned.