TAKING THE CHAIR WITH ‘CLASS’

Easter is over, and Easter Eggs are two for the price of one. It is also that time of year when AGM’s are hitting the headlines. Clubs and Voluntary Organizations are casting an eye on perspective honorary Chairpersons; Treasurers etc. Therefore this week we will explore the secrets of successfully chairing a meeting.

An effective Chairperson is rather like a good parent. He/she casts a caring eye over their charge without interfering on all fronts. They allow events to develop democratically, without denying the right of self expression and freedom. He/she is firm without being authoritarian in the role, and sees that there is fair play. The Chairperson will follow an Agenda. Will aim to foster a wide spread of opinion. However some people love to talk for talking sake, so allow each person a minimum time and then politely but firmly move on. Be firm but friendly. A Chairperson may have to introduce a Speaker or a Guest at a Meeting; do homework, and get name correct, plus a few well chosen relevant and complimentary comments. Keep it short. And do it with momentum.

At Question Time after a Speech, questions may go through Chair or directly to Speaker. If there is aggravation caused by a member of the audience, you can intervene but avoid unnecessary ‘nannying’. Always smile as you make your opening remarks. This is a very difficult thing to do, but necessary. Maintain a pleasant expression. This way, one appears more approachable.

Now I better address the bread and butter issues of the Club. Our last meeting was the Tall Tales Contest. The winner was Michael Walsh. He definitely led us up the garden path, but entertained us greatly. Well done Michael. Previous to Tall Tales we had a Speech Contest and an Evaluation Contest. The Division Final of this will take place at The Great Southern Hotel, Cork Airport, at 7.50 pm on Saturday April 21^st. Pat Sexton is representing us in the Speech Contest and Michael Cronin in the Evaluation Contest. We wish them both every success and we will all be there on Saturday night to lend our support. Good Luck boys!

Our next Club Meeting takes place on Thursday 19^th April at the Hibernian Hotel Mallow at 7.50 sharp. We have an entertaining programme which is ably compiled by our Vice President Anne Buckley. Do come along – we will be delighted to see you. We also value any feedback from both guests and members. We have a ‘suggestion box’, where everyone may make suggestions. This is a brilliant idea because every one has an opinion, and a variety of opinions carefully studied and implemented can give more life to a club. We at all times abide by the Constitution of the Club of course. Always remember the responsibility for a successful meeting lies in the hands of all present. Every ones opinion is important. Meetings are a team effort.