The duty of the chairman of any organization includes calling the meeting to order at the scheduled time, announcing business before the assembly in the proper order, stating and putting all questions properly introduced before the members, preserving order, maintaining decorum, and deciding any question of order. Depending upon the constitution of the organization in question, he may possess the right to vote. If nothing else, the chairman is generally called upon to settle ties.

Generally, a chairman should not interrupt speakers as long as they are in order. The chairman should listen to whatever is spoken, and should shy away from appearing too partisan. Under some circumstances, it may be proper for the chairman to stand; for instance, when putting the question to a vote or when speaking about an appeal. This depends upon the formality or lack of it during the meeting.

It is a good idea for the chairman to have a copy of the constitution, by-laws, and rules of order nearby for easy reference. Chairmen can be expected to have studied these documents and possess some familiarity with them, but it is doubtful anyone could have a complete memory of every intricate point. Certain basics should already be known, such as the list of motions in orderof precedence, or the characteristics of different motions. Therefore, chairmen should prepare before the meeting starts, and be aware of the business which will come before the assembly. A list of the names of members of committees is also a useful reference.

Chairmen have considerable power over the pace of the meeting, and should make sure that the business of the forum be moved along in a relatively brisk fashion. They should also know when a motion has been improperly made, and as politely as possible take care of the situation. The member who made the error should be informed as to the proper procedure, and the meeting can continue.

As indicated earlier, a chairman should try to be as impartial as possible, and leave it to others to comment on the merits of any particular motion. They should be fair and treat all members equally under the guidelines of the assembly. Keeping calm under difficult or contentious circumstances is a definite necessity. Interruption of the speakers should be avoided, and ignorance of parliamentary procedure on behalf of the membership should not be exploited. Sometimes, relaxation of the rules will help move things along more quickly and smoothly than a rigid adherence to parliamentary doctrine. When there is a possibility of trouble, however, strict following of the rules by the presiding officer is probably the best course. The temperament of the presiding officer should be one of control. He or she should not be an excitable presence at the meeting, and must strive to keep the meeting calm and under control. Sometimes, a minority faction may attempt to obstruct the business of the organization for whatever reason. The presiding officer has a duty to make sure that he or she remain in charge. This may include refusing to consider motions by this minority when it becomes clear they are trying to commit an obstruction.