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The Basics — "I'd Like to Make a Motion ... " Everyone knows what a motion is — it's a statement of the matter to be considered by the group. First, a member makes a motion, then others may offer short comments or friendly suggestions on how to best phrase the motion. Substantive discussion must be reserved until the motion is put on the floor. The motion is not on the floor for general consideration until the chair states the question, clearly restating the issue so all may understand exactly what is under consideration. The phrase "so moved" after a raucous discussion of what the motion is going to be may leave the board's secretary as well as the members confused as to what they are deciding upon. "The Chair Recognizes Mr. Jones ..." The maker of the motion should be given the opportunity to speak first. Then each member who wishes to speak must be given a chance before anyone speaks a second time. The standard time for discussion is up to 10 minutes per turn, with a limit of two turns each. Altering the length of a turn or the number of turn requires a motion to limit or extend the time of debate. Ad hoc decisions by the chair to not impose these limits or to grant extensions or impose limits may lead to longer meetings and allegations of inconsistent (i.e. unfair) treatment of the members. As the discussion moves along, members may want to offer amendments, may feel they need more information, or may want to take a bathroom break. Below is a menu of some of the more frequently used motions to obtain the action they desire: Motions in order of Rank Motions for Whenever You Need Them 1. Fix the time to adjourn (highest ranking) 1. Point of Order 2. Adjourn 2. Appeal Chair's Ruling on Procedure 3. Recess 3. Suspend the Rules (2 /3 vote) 4. Raise a Question of Privilege 4. Object to Consideration of Question (2 /3 rds) 5. Call for Orders of the Day 5. Division of a Question 6. Parliamentary Inquiry 6. Lay on the Table 7. Point of Information 7. Move the Previous Question 8. Limit or extend time of debate 9. Postpone to another time 10. Refer to a Committee 11. Secondary amendment 12. Primary amendment 13. Postpose indefinitely 14. Main Motion (lowest ranking) Page 3 of 7