Free tool
What do I say in a formal meeting?
Choose what you want to do. You get the words to say, whether it needs a second, whether people can debate it, and the vote it needs.
Say
Keep the record straight
Minutes record each motion, who moved and seconded it, and how the vote went. Meetful writes the meeting down under the name of each person who spoke, so the exact wording of a motion is there to copy into the minutes.
Where this comes from
The answers follow Robert’s Rules of Order, the manual of parliamentary procedure first published by Henry Martyn Robert in 1876 and used by many boards, councils and associations. Your own bylaws or standing orders come first: if they say something different, follow them. “Majority” here means more than half of the votes cast; “two thirds” means at least twice as many votes for as against.
Questions
What is the difference between tabling and postponing a motion?
Under Robert’s Rules, laying on the table sets a motion aside briefly so something urgent can be dealt with, and it is not debatable. Postponing to a set time moves it to a later meeting or time, and can be debated.
Why does ending debate need two thirds?
Because it takes away members’ right to keep speaking; Robert’s Rules protects that right by requiring a two-thirds vote to cut debate off.
Do I need to be recognised before I speak?
For most motions, yes — wait for the chair to recognise you. A point of order is an exception: you may interrupt the speaker to raise it.