What is the primary duty of the chair during a meeting?

The primary duty of the chair during a meeting is to ensure orderly conduct and facilitate discussion. This responsibility is crucial because the chair sets the tone for the meeting, guiding the agenda, managing participants, and maintaining a respectful environment for discussion. They help keep the conversation on track, encourage participation from all members, and allocate speaking time to ensure that diverse viewpoints are heard.

Facilitating discussion involves not only managing the flow of the meeting but also addressing any disruptions effectively and ensuring that decisions are made in a fair and democratic manner. The chair's ability to maintain order is essential to achieving the meeting's objectives and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Although the other roles mentioned, such as voting on motions, taking minutes, and representing the assembly, might be part of the broader responsibilities within a meeting context, they do not encapsulate the fundamental role of the chair in facilitating effective communication and organization during meetings.