Who is referred to as the chair or president in a meeting?

The chair or president in a meeting is referred to as the presiding officer who remains impartial. This role is crucial because it ensures that the meeting is conducted in an orderly and fair manner. The presiding officer’s responsibilities include facilitating discussions, ensuring that all members have the opportunity to speak, and maintaining the focus of the meeting on the agenda. By remaining impartial, the chair allows for a balanced discussion where all opinions are heard and considered without bias.

In this capacity, the chair also helps to guide the meeting according to established rules or parliamentary procedures, ensuring that everyone adheres to the same standards and that decisions are made democratically. This impartiality is key for building trust among the members and ensuring that the outcomes reflect the collective opinion rather than that of any single individual. Other roles, such as conducting votes or proposing motions, are important in their own right but do not define the overarching role and responsibilities of the chair or president.