Parliamentarian
Evaluates the Chairman’s handling of the business session, ensuring proper parliamentary procedure.
Time: (2 to 3 minutes, maximum 3minutes 30 seconds)
The Master Evaluator calls the Parliamentarian to the lectern for his evaluation, during the evaluation session. The Parliamentarian’s duty is to evaluate the Chairman’s performance of conducting the meeting.
The Parliamentarian’s evaluation should include comments on some or all of the following points:
- Did the chairman ensure that the meeting started on time (7pm)
- Did the chairman ask the Sergeant-at-Arms if a quorum existed
- Did the chairman ensure that the meeting kept totimes according to the agenda
- Did the chairman act with decorum and tact at all times
- Did the chairman appear friendly, yet firm whilst running the meeting
- Did the chairman act in a fair manner, or was there a display of bias
- Did the chairman maintain control of the meeting
- Did the chairman display a sound knowledge of parliamentary procedures
There are many facets of chairmanship to be considered. It takes much practice to be a effective chairman, and it is your job to explain to the Chairman where you think he/she could improve for the next occasion, and where he/she excelled. You should also evaluate the general conduct of the business session. Australia uses the Westminster parliamentary procedures, which should be practiced in all Toastmasters clubs within Australia. The clubs within North America use a different system according to a published guide referred to as “Roberts”. Although not greatly different, clubs within
Australia use a published guide called “Guide for Meetings and Organisations” written by N. E. Renton. This guide is referred to as “Rentons”. This publication is considered the “Bible” for meeting procedures, and all members are encouraged to get into the practice of referring to “Rentons”, to learn the correct procedures that are used for a business meeting. This will help to understand how to become involved in a business meeting, and also in time, to chair such a meeting. The Parliamentarian should use a club copy of “Rentons” for reference while conducting the role of Parliamentarian.
Miranda Toastmasters Club is probably unique in the fact that towards the end of each year, the Club conducts a Parliamentarian Contest. This evaluation contest has been named the “Barham F. Tooth” Parliamentarian Contest, in the memory of Barry Tooth, a former member of Miranda Toastmasters Club. Barry Tooth was a stickler for correct meeting procedures, and through Barry’s knowledge of these meeting procedures, and tuition, many members have become proficient with the assignment of Chairman.
The Parliamentarian and the Chairman should have a club copy of “Rentons” for each meeting, which will be stored with the other club meeting equipment.
