Meeting Script - Speaker
*** SPEAKER MEETING SCRIPT PREREQUISTES ***
This is the General script for the Host.
- This script contains all HOST related material for a non-speaker meeting.
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It is very important that the Host and a Co-Host be in regular communication, and that expectations are discussed between them (e.g., Coordination of topic, who is timing)
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It is highly suggested that the host or co-host enlist a second co-host.
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Primary co-host will carry out duties outlined in the co-host script.
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Secondary co-host will help monitor the meeting and keep it safe from disruptors.
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From the AA Zoom Security Guide (Hardware suggestions)
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HOSTS AND CO-HOSTS SHOULD NOT BE ON A MOBILE DEVICE WHEN RUNNING A MEETING. USE A FULL PC OR FAIRLY DECENT LAPTOP.
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Zoom doesn’t have the same features, easily accessible on mobile devices.
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It is highly recommended:
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At minimum, use a laptop or a desktop computer, running Windows, MacOS or Linux.
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Use an external mouse. This enhances the ability to react quickly to disruptors.
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Use of a secondary/external monitor is preferred but not required.
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Responsibilities of the Host
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE HOST NOT ADMIT ANY ATTENDEES FROM THE WAITING ROOM. By leaving this task to the co-host(s) the host will be able to focus on their responsibilities. This also allows the co-host(s) to be aware of everyone that has been admitted.
- Facilitate the meeting and keep the meeting moving smoothly as you follow the script for the duration of the meeting.
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Ensure there is a speaker for meeting and someone to introduce, if other than the host.
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Facilitate the Discussion part of the meeting, including:
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Asking to unmute
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Timing the participant (if agreement made with co-host)
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Muting the participant
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Lowering the participants hand when sharing is complete.
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At 9:55 PM ET – Ensure you have readers for the meeting.
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“How it works”
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“Step 10 and part of its Promises”
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*** SPEAKER MEETING SCRIPT STARTS HERE ***
Welcome to the very open Love and Tolerance meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. My name is _______________, and I am an Alcoholic. I’ll be your chairperson this evening.
Please help me open the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
[DO NOT READ ALOUD — Host should “Ask all to unmute”]
God,
grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
[DO NOT READ ALOUD — Host should use the “Mute All” feature at this point. It will mute everyone in the room except for the Host]
We will be placing everyone on mute for the duration of the meeting. If you want to share, please use the raise your hand feature and I will unmute you. The instructions on how to share will be posted in the chat. Those needing proof of attendance, that information will be shared toward the end of the meeting.
AA PREAMBLE
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
I have asked [a friend] to read “How it Works” from page 58 of the Big Book. There is a link in the chat for those that would like to follow along.
I have asked [another friend] to read Step 10 and part of its promises, from page 84 of the Big Book. There is another link in the chat for those that would like to follow along.
Are there any AA-related announcements?
Is anyone attending their first AA meeting or attending Love & Tolerance for the first time that would like to introduce themselves to the group? Please share your first name. This is not to embarrass you, but rather to welcome and get to know you better.
Is anyone with less than one year, counting days, weeks, or months that would like to share their sobriety count with the group?
Are there any anniversaries?
There are no dues or fees, but we do have expenses. In keeping with the 7th tradition, “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions”, methods to contribute will be posted in the chat. The Account Names and associated QR codes are provided.
Tonight’s meeting is a speaker discussion. Our speaker will share their experience, strength, and hope for about 25 minutes and after, we will open for sharing.
[DO NOT READ ALOUD – Host Introduces the speaker for the evening and mentions a reminder when approximately 5 minutes remaining.]
We are now opening for discussion. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes and share only once so that everyone may have a chance to share. We will be setting a timer and will remind you when there is one minute left, after that I’ll ask you to wrap it up. Please don’t take this personally.
Directions to raise a virtual hand are posted in the chat, you can also message me or a co-host, or wave on video. Please let’s have a safe and clean meeting!
[DO NOT READ ALOUD – During any pauses in the meeting:
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Remind everyone that they can share anything on their mind, recovery related.
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Introduce themselves, especially if new to the group.
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Moments of silence do NOT reflect badly on the topic or Host. Silence is ok and used as time for people to process and reflect]
[DO NOT READ ALOUD – At approximately 10:45 PM, the chat can be opened.]
THE CHAT IS NOW OPEN
Please keep it clean, respectful, and safe. When someone reaches out know that you DO NOT have to respond or give your number if you feel uncomfortable. Our PRIMARY purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. If you feel that someone is being inappropriate, please make the Host or a Co-Host aware immediately.
[DO NOT READ ALOUD – At approximately 10:55 PM prepare to close the meeting]
We are out of time. I would like to thank [the speaker] for sharing their experience, strength, and hope with us tonight. Please join us for fellowship after the meeting and come back tomorrow. Just a reminder that we meet 7 nights a week at 10 pm Eastern, at the same time, same meeting code. The Love and Tolerance Meeting Code is 190 210 132.
If you are:
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Interested in becoming a homegroup member
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Need a Big Book or other AA approved literature
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Would like to be included in the Love & Tolerance contact list
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Or would like to receive a contact list
Please send an email to info@loveandtol.com.
If you need proof of meeting attendance, please email info@loveandtol.com.
All this information has been posted in the zoom chat.
Here at Love and Tolerance, we believe sponsorship is important for our recovery. A sponsor is someone to help you through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. IF YOU ARE ACTIVELY WORKING THE 12 STEPS AND are available to sponsor, please put your contact info in the chat now. If you need a sponsor or have any questions, please reach out to one of these people.
You can also find all this information and more at our website, loveandtol.com
DECLARATION PLEDGE
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.
Just a reminder, anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our program. If we are to recover, we must feel free to say what is in our minds and hearts. Therefore, who you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here.
Please stay after the meeting for more fellowship.
[DO NOT READ ALOUD – Prior to reading of the Serenity Prayer, please “Ask All to Unmute”]
Please help me close the meeting with the “We” version of the serenity prayer.
God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change; courage to change the things we can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Links to AA Approved Literature