How is a meeting officially commenced?

A meeting is officially commenced with a "call to order." This is a formal declaration made by the presiding officer (such as the chairperson or president) indicating that the meeting is now in session. This action signifies the start of the proceedings and emphasizes that all participants should focus on the agenda at hand. It establishes the authority of the speaker and sets the expectation for the proper decorum during the meeting.

While reading the minutes, welcoming remarks, and approval of the agenda are important components of a meeting, they typically occur after the meeting has been officially called to order. These elements help in informing attendees about past discussions and establishing the flow of the meeting, but they do not initiate the meeting itself.