Where should the parliamentarian be seated during a regular meeting?

Seating the parliamentarian next to the chair during a regular meeting is essential for several reasons. The parliamentarian's primary role is to provide guidance on parliamentary procedure and ensure that the meeting adheres to established rules and protocols. By being seated next to the chair, the parliamentarian has immediate access to the chairperson and can offer timely advice throughout the meeting, facilitating smooth deliberations and decision-making. This position allows the parliamentarian to intervene if necessary and provide support on procedural matters discreetly and efficiently.

The other options indicate positions that may hinder the parliamentarian's ability to effectively contribute to the meeting. For instance, sitting across from the secretary could create a barrier to direct communication with the chair, limiting the parliamentarian's effectiveness in advising on procedural issues. Being placed in the audience would largely remove the parliamentarian from active participation and make it difficult to provide instantaneous assistance. Similarly, sitting next to the treasurer may not enhance the parliamentarian’s role in guiding the proceedings and could distract from the essential advisory function needed in relation to the chair.