A P r i mer f o r P res i d i ng Off i cers , P art 2
Formal Control and Penalties By Carl Nohr, PRP
Control of a meeting is important in achieving the objectives of an organization. As seen in “A Primer for Presiding Officers, Part 1” (Vol 82, No 1, Fall 2020), there are informal and formal ways to control meetings. Member self-control enhances meeting quality and productivity and can be improved by teaching. The wise chair uses knowledge of the rules, with the application of tact, diplomacy, and calmness, to control the meeting on behalf of the members. At no time should the chair attempt to drown out a disorderly member by using voice or gavel.1 The principles of fairness and appropriate escalation are important in discipline and the imposition of penalties. The same knowledge and skills are used in electronic meetings and in-person meetings. Formal control of a meeting is primarily the responsibility of the presiding officer. The presiding officer, whether a member of the association, or an external professional presiding officer, must have knowledge, skills, and certain character attributes to be 1 RONR (11th ed.), p. 645, ll. 14-19 22
National Parliamentarian • Winter 2021
successful. The needed knowledge and skills include understanding of the organization and its governing documents, both theoretical knowledge of rules of order and practical skills in the application of them, and a familiarity with the organizational culture and personalities of leaders. The characteristics of an effective presiding officer include impartiality, tact, common sense, immunity to offense, and a blend of gravitas with a sense of humor. All members play a role in controlling a meeting. As important as the chair’s role is in controlling a meeting, the chair is not exclusively responsible. The responsibility for maintaining the rules,
The wise chair uses knowledge of the rules, with the application of tact, diplomacy, and calmness, to control the meeting on behalf of the members.
