A quick reference for running formal meetings.
Obtaining the floor
- Be the first to stand when the current speaker finishes
- State “Mr./Madam Chairman”
- You must be recognised by the Chair before speaking
- Raising your hand means nothing; standing while another has the floor is out of order
Starting debate
- Debate cannot begin until the Chair has stated the motion and asked “Are you ready for the question?”
- If no one rises, the Chair calls for the vote
Before the motion is stated
- Members may suggest modifications
- The mover can modify or withdraw without consent of the seconder
- If the mover modifies, the seconder can withdraw their second
Order of questions
- The “immediately pending question” is the last question stated by the Chair (Motion → Amendment → Motion to Postpone)
- The member who moved the immediately pending question has preference to the floor
Conduct of debate
- No member can speak twice to the same issue until everyone else wishing to speak has spoken once
- All remarks must be directed to the Chair
- Be courteous—avoid personalities, never allude to others by name or impute motives
Agenda and reports
- The agenda and all committee reports are merely recommendations
- Once presented and the question is stated, debate begins and changes can occur