CORONADO TOASTMASTERS OF ALBUQUERQUE:
Meetings: Making A Simple Motion
Before a member can make a motion or address the assembly upon any question, it is necessary that he obtain the floor; that is, he must rise and address the presiding officer by his title, thus: "Mr. President," who will then announce the member's name. So, the order in making a simple motion is as follows:
1. A member rises and addresses the President.
2. The President recognizes the member.
3. The member proposes an action (a motion).
4. Another member seconds the motion.
5. The President restates the motion to the group.
6. The President asks for discussion or debate on the motion.
7. The President asks for a vote on the motion (Yes or No).
8. The President announces the result of the vote.
Some Privileged Motions
1.) CALL THE QUESTION
This “motion” makes the question no longer debatable and brings it to vote immediately.
Example: A motion has been made, seconded, and there is a discussion which is taking too long. You may “Call the Question” which means to discontinue the discussion and vote immediately.
2.) TABLING THE MOTION
Example: “Laying the Motion on the Table”, if approved, ends discussion and requires a Yes or No vote in the assembly. A motion should not be “tabled”, per se, but should be postponed to a specific time when the motion is reconsidered by the group.
(Robert’s Rules says that if this is used often it should require a two-thirds vote.)
3.) POSTPONING THE MOTION
Discussion on the motion to postpone is limited to the merits of postponement only. It must be postponed to a definite future meeting time. It must be then decided by a two-thirds vote.
Robert’s Rules of Order is an indispensable guide for anyone who regularly attends group meetings. Many recommend the use of Robert’s Rules to ensure democracy is best-presented and most practically achieved in a public forum. Copies of Robert’s Rules of Order is available in libraries and online, or in bookstores for a few dollars. Thanks to Coronado Toastmasters Club members Bob Meadows and Norm Hogue for their contributions to this page.