First of all no two meetings are exactly alike and no two groups of people are exactly alike either. Each collective group of people has a personality of it's own. Although each group comes together with the same basic problem each person brings their own unique experiences. There are two types of meetings. In this particular type of meeting only alcoholics are permitted to attend.
Individuals stand up and give their first name and admit out loud that they are an alcoholic.
The group acknowledges the speaker by saying hello. The individual than shares his or her experiences in general or speaks about a specific issue. After the individual is finished speaking the other members of the group applaud, pat the person on the back or hug the speaker as a sign of support and appreciation for the courage it has taken to share such deep pain. No one is required to speak. Some alcoholics, especially new comers just sit and listen to the other speakers.