How are Motions Presented?
• Obtaining the floor • Wait until the last speaker has finished. • Rise and address the Chairman by saying, “Mr. Chairman, or Mr. President.” • Wait until the Chairman recognizes you. • Make Your Motion • Speak in a clear and concise manner. • Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, “I move that we …” rather than, “I move that we do not …”. • Avoid personalities and stay on your subject. • Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion • Another member will second your motion or the Chairman will call for a second. • If there is no second to your motion it is lost. • The Chairman States Your Motion • The Chairman will say, “it has been moved and seconded that we …” Thus placing your motion before the membership for consideration and action. • The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote. • Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it becomes “assembly property”, and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the members. • E
