GRAMMARIAN

Being grammarian is truly an exercise in expanding your listening skills. Your basic responsibility is to comment on the use of English during the course of the meeting. Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the grammarian for the benefit of the guests.

Upon arrival at the meeting Get a blank piece of paper and pen ready on which to make notes.

During the meeting — When introduced, briefly explain the role of the grammarian.

Throughout the meeting — Listen to everyone’s word usage. Write down any awkward use or misuse of the language (incomplete sentences, sentences that change direction in midstream, incorrect grammar, malapropisms, etc.) with a note of who erred.

When called on during the evaluation segment, stand by your chair and give your report. Try to offer the correct usage in every instance where there was misuse instead of only explaining what was wrong. Report on creative language usage as well.