The Grammarian listens for good and poor usage of language during the meeting. This helps the all the speakers and the audience improve their speaking abilities.

FUNCTION

This is an important role, providing an excellent opportunity to develop good listening skills and the ability to transmit information and praise.

The Grammarian has three duties, which, in order of priority, are
1) Report on the use of language throughout the meeting and especially comment on the most interesting, unusual or effective uses of language. If necessary, perhaps also mention any grammatical errors or 'inappropriate' use, such as bad language.
2) Set a 'word of the day' and report on its use. Ideally, the word should not be in everyday use but not so obscure or unpronounceable that it is difficult to use. An adjective or adverb often works well as the word of the day (e.g. 'active' 'actively') as these are easier to use than verbs or nouns ('act'/ 'action').
3) Report on hesitations (UM's and AH's) but only those that seriously distract from the speaker's message.

AT THE MEETING
1) When you are introduced, explain the role of Grammarian and announce the 'word of the day' giving its meaning and some examples of its use.
To assist the audience, display the 'word of the day'. Print out the word and stick it up at the front and back of the room in large type.
2) Listen carefully to all of the speakers and report back with your findings and comments, when called upon towards the end of the meeting.
3) As Grammarian you will not have time to an individual evaluation for each speakers. Instead record several examples of effective language and use of 'the word of the day' during the meeting. Choose and comment enthusiastically on a few (perhaps just 6 - 8) examples that you would like the audience to remember and savour.
4) Do not publicly identify any speaker for overuse of 'um/ah' although you might like to have a quiet word after the meeting in private with excessive offenders.