What should the presiding officer do when calling the meeting to order?

When the presiding officer calls the meeting to order, standing up is the most appropriate action. This practice serves several important functions. Firstly, standing helps to establish authority and clarity regarding who is leading the meeting. It signals to all attendees that the meeting is officially commencing and that they should now focus on the proceedings. Additionally, standing can enhance visibility, ensuring that all members can see the presiding officer and are engaged from the start. This sets a tone of professionalism and respect for the formalities of the meeting.

In comparison to the other options, remaining seated might convey a lack of authority or urgency, which could undermine the seriousness of the meeting's commencement. Sitting quietly does not effectively signal the start of the meeting, and calling attendees by name, while potentially a nice touch for engagement, is not standard procedure for initiating a meeting. Thus, standing up aligns best with established protocols and contributes positively to the meeting's tone and effectiveness.