There are common mental images that go with the words “parliamentary procedure” or “Robert’s Rules.” One of them is a person waving his arm and yelling “Point of order!” with all the vigor needed to move a mountain. But what is a point of order anyway? Here are three defining facts about a point of order that will help you understand when to say those words – with or without the arm-waving and vigor. A…

Chairing a meeting is harder than it looks. And at times parliamentary procedure doesn’t make that job any easier. Keeping track of what motion is on the floor and who to recognize next is tough. Taking a vote the proper way might seem like a luxury. Well, as a professional, I’m here to tell you it’s not. Following a pattern and using consistent language to take a vote can do wonders to move your…

I’ve talked before about how to know whether the law, your bylaws, or Robert’s Rules apply in a given situation. Here’s an infographic that helps explain the priority of rules in an organization. Download a printable copy in the Resource Center. …

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that Robert’s Rules says when something’s official, it needs to be official. Which means, the tellers report—we’re talking about the on-paper vote count—can’t just exist on the back of a spare copy of the agenda because you couldn’t find anything else to write on. The tellers report is . . . (drumroll) . . . an official, organized report that goes in the minutes. I’ve talked in recent…

Last week’s post was intended to make you think. . . . Think about getting professional help from a Robert’s Rules of Order guru instead of winging it. Think about securing the real deal to run (or help you run) the dreaded annual meeting. Think about hiring someone who can make you look good and save you a ton of time. Here are three more relevant issues as you consider consulting with a professional…

If you hear the words “professional parliamentarian,” and your first thought isn’t, “parli…what?” – then you’re likely thinking, “Wait, there are people who actually do that willingly, even for money?” or, “Please, may I never meet that person.” I’m here to tell you that “professional parliamentarian” doesn’t have to mean “the most rulesy, inflexible person alive.” On the contrary, a professional parliamentarian is simply a person who knows meeting rules well enough to help you…

If you’ve attended any number of meetings or conventions where parliamentary procedure is used and elections are happening, you may have heard someone say, “I move that we elect by acclamation.” Or, post-election, someone may announce, “Peter Politicker is elected by acclamation!” At which point, everyone claps vigorously, and Peter Politicker gives an acceptance speech that is, of course, several minutes longer than necessary. During Peter’s speech, you may be thinking, (a) Peter just joined…