2 0 Parliamentary Procedure Effectively conducting a business

2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure Effectively conducting a business meeting.

Main Objectives of Parliamentary Law 1. Focus on one item at a time – helps prevent confusion 2. Extend courtesy to everyone – recognize before speaking 3. Observe the rule of majority – keeps unpopular ideas from being adopted 4. Ensure the rights of the minority – everyone has a voice in decisions 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

5. Definition of Parliamentary Procedure: Using well defined rules to conduct business using formal, organized approach (Robert’s Rules of Order) 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

6. Fair and Impartial • The presiding officer should be fair and impartial – He or she should leave the chairman’s station and relinquish the chairman’s duties to discuss or present a point of view – The symbol of authority is the gavel. 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Parliamentary Procedure Vocabulary • Agenda - A list of what will be done at a business meeting should be prepared before the meeting • Motion - to present a new idea or item of business. (“I Move”) • Amend - to change a motion • Majority – one more than half; group that controls the most votes • Minority - less than half; opposite of majority 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Parliamentary Procedure Vocabulary • Quorum – The number of people that must be present for the group to make decisions or changes. The number varies with the kind of assembly 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Quorum • Legislative assemblies often set the quorum as a majority of the total membership present in order for business to be transacted • Voluntary associations (ordinary societies) may use a smaller number than a majority for their quorum to conduct business • Most groups include their requirement for a quorum in the bylaws of the organization 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Parliamentary Abilities

Main Motion • To present a new idea or item of business – only one can be on floor or before the group at the same time • Debatable • Amendable • Requires a second & majority vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

To Make a Main Motion: 1. Address presiding officer 2. Receive recognition to speak 3. State motion – “I move to…” or “I move that…” 4. Another member seconds motion (to show that more than one person wants the item of business before the group) 5. Motion is discussed 6. Vote on motion 7. Chair announces result of vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Discussion or Debate • Gives members opportunities to discuss pros and cons of the main motion. • Requires a 2/3 vote to stop discussion 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Previous Question • To stop discussion • NOT debatable or amendable • requires a 2/3 vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Voting • Two kinds of votes – Majority vote – 2/3 vote • Four methods of voting – Voice vote – Visual vote (standing or raising hands) – Roll call – Ballot What about ties? 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Amendment • To change a motion by striking out or adding words • Debatable • Amendable • Requires a second a majority vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Division of the House • To get a counted vote (show of hands) • NOT debatable or amendable • Member seeking a division does not have to be recognized by the chair to speak. – You say “Division” 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Refer to Committee • Places the motion in a committee or small group. – Debatable – Amendable – Requires a second a majority vote The Motion should include: • Number on committee • How appointed • Powers and duties • When to report back 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Tabling a Motion • Lay on the Table – to postpone a vote on an item of business (for the sole purpose of handling a more important item of business) • Take from the Table – brings an unfinished item of business back onto the floor for discussion Both require a second a majority vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Point of Order • Used to correct a parliamentary mistake – Is not debatable or amendable – Does not require a second or a vote – Member says “I rise to a point of order” 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Appeal • Motion used to appeal the decision of the chair after a point of order has been made. • Debatable • NOT amendable • Requires a second a majority vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Suspend the Rules • A motion used to temporarily suspend the rules of an organization for one meeting. • NOT debatable or amendable • Requires a second a 2/3 vote 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Adjourn • To close the meeting – NOT debatable or amendable – Requires a second a majority vote • A motion to adjourn takes precedence over all other motions. 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Gavel Uses • One tap means to sit down, announce a vote, or adjourn • Two taps means to call the meeting to order • Three taps means to stand up 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Prepared Public Speaking 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Types of Speeches • Informative speeches give information • Persuasive speeches are given to change or sway someone’s mind, or to align the audience with the message of the speaker • Extemporaneous or impromptu speeches are given with little or no forethought 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Create a Speech • Purpose – Why are you giving the speech? • Audience – To whom are you giving the speech? • Occasion – Where are you giving the speech? 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Select a Topic • Choose a topic that interests you • Choose a topic you are knowledgeable about • Choose a topic of interest to your audience 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Speech Writing • Brainstorm with a list of topics and write down key words • Gather information from a variety of materials, books, internet sources, personal interviews, etc 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Speech Writing • Write down your ideas including – Name of source – Web address – Page number – Author 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Speech Writing • Create an outline to help you organize your ideas • Write the speech the way you talk 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Parts of a Speech • Introduction – grabs the attention of your audience • Body – begins with the main points of your speech – Arrange them in logical order • Conclusion – summarizes the main points of your speech 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)

Presenting • • • Be enthusiastic! Smile! Use gestures! Have good eye contact! Be sincere! 2. 0 Parliamentary Procedure (leadership development)