Indian Nations Presbytery
Serving 55 Congregations in Central and Southwest Oklahoma

(405) 524-0990 * (405) 524-1037 Fax * 1001 NW 25th St., Ste. 206, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Keys to Moderating a Successful and Timely Meeting

1.  Do your homework before the meeting.  50% of the success of a meeting is in the preparation.  Make sure the agenda or docket has been prepared and everybody has a copy in advance.  All motions coming from committees, task forces, etc., should be in writing and in the hands of the members in advance of the meeting.  Most officers don’t like surprises and will take forever to deal with them.

2.  Put a “stalking dog” in front of a big issue.  If you know there is a controversial matter on the agenda, put a less controversial matter before it to diffuse emotions somewhat.

3.  Announce at the beginning of the meeting the length of time it should take to accomplish the work of this meeting.  The length of time it takes to do the work is usually the length of time given to do the work.  A meeting that goes beyond two hours tends to produce at least one bad decision.  Recess that meeting and set another meeting to finish the business.

4.  Written motions should never be read aloud.  It wastes time and insults the intelligence of those present if they have the motions in writing in front of them.

5.  A second to a motion is often not needed.  When a motion comes from a committee and there are two or more members of that committee present, a second is assumed.

6.  If the discussion produces no opposition to the motion, ask if there are any opposed.  If not, then say, “Without opposition, the motion carries.”

7.  Never call for a voice vote.  Ask those in favor to raise a hand and those opposed to raise a hand.  Voice votes often come down to which group can yell the loudest.  Just count hands the first time.