AA Meeting Formats Explained: Speaker, Discussion and Literature
Two meetings can last the same amount of time and feel quite different. At one, you mainly hear a speaker; at another, members discuss a topic or read a passage together. The format label gives you a useful clue about the session. It doesn't tell you everything about the people, atmosphere or local routine.
Use the label as a starting point
A.A.'s meeting information describes several common approaches. A label helps you choose what to visit, but the chair's opening explains how that particular session will run. Some groups combine a short speaker with discussion or alternate formats across the month.
Check the description for the day you're attending. A group's name may stay the same while a monthly speaker evening differs from its usual reading meeting. If you need clarification, ask the listed contact what a visitor can expect on that date.
Speaker meetings give more time to a member's account
The main part of a speaker meeting is hearing one or more members share their experience. There may also be readings, announcements or time for other contributions. Don't assume every speaker session follows an identical schedule.
You can listen for what the person says about their own actions and circumstances without comparing every detail with yours. If a session includes questions or discussion, follow the chair's instructions. You don't need to interrupt an account to ask about unfamiliar vocabulary; you can raise a practical question afterward.
Discussion meetings organize sharing around a subject
A chair may introduce a topic and invite members to speak about their own experience. Listen for how turns are handled, whether there is a time limit and what the group says about responding directly to other speakers.
You're not being asked to win an argument or provide the best interpretation of the topic. If you choose to share, one relevant experience can be enough. Our sharing guide offers a short preparation method for someone who isn't sure where to begin.
Literature meetings give you a reading to work from
A Big Book meeting focuses on Alcoholics Anonymous, while other literature meetings may use another specified A.A. text. Step or Tradition sessions focus on the part named in the listing. The amount read and the way discussion follows vary.
Ask what text is used and whether a copy is available there. You can ask before buying a book, especially if you're visiting once. Listening to a reading without understanding every term is a reasonable starting point. A meeting isn't an examination of whether you've already studied the material.
Choose by what you want to try, then check attendance
You might want an evening of listening, a topic to reflect on or a chance to hear a passage discussed. Try the format that interests you and notice whether its time and location work for another visit. One session needn't settle your preference forever.
Check Open or Closed separately. Those words describe attendance, not the reading or speaking structure. Our attendance guide explains the difference. If you return regularly, our home-group guide considers the next questions about participating in group life.
Medallions to consider
A meeting-format label isn't a sobriety milestone. If you choose a medallion for a separate anniversary, check the exact duration offered on its product page.
Bicolor Pure White 7 Chakras Sparkle (1-40y)
The selector lists 18 Months and annual selections from 1 through 40 Years. Use the product's Sobriety Time selector to choose the duration you need.
Tricolor Velvet Plum (24h, 1-45y)
The selector lists 24 Hours, 18 Months and annual selections from 1 through 45 Years. Use the product's Sobriety Time selector to choose the duration you need.
Product photos show sample years. The pictured numeral isn't necessarily your selection. Check the recipient's milestone, choose the listed Sobriety Time option and review it in the cart.
Common questions
Does Speaker always mean Open?
Don't infer attendance from the format. Check the listing's Open or Closed label.
Must I own a book for a literature meeting?
Ask the group what it uses and whether copies are available. Don't assume a purchase is needed.
Can a group combine formats?
Yes. Read its current description or ask how the particular session is arranged.
Keep reading
Browse Elite Medallions and Deluxe Coins for an occasion you want to recognize. Check each product's current details and milestone options before choosing.
