ROBERTS RULES of ORDER - PODIUM CHEAT SHEET - for Formal Meeting Motions

Oct 13, 2026

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ROBERTS RULES of ORDER - PODIUM CHEAT SHEET compiles key motions, points, and voting requirements used in formal business meetings. It lists procedures for adjournment, recess, points of privilege and order, tabling, postponing, debating limits, amending motions, introducing a main motion, and handling debate closure. It also explains how to obtain the floor, make and second motions, conduct debate, call for a division, and announce results for voice votes, appeals, reconsideration, and related parliamentary actions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Motions and Points of Privilege

Main motions, recess, and debate control

Parliamentary Procedures for Main Motions

Obtaining and assigning the floor

Bringing a motion before the assembly

Consideration, debate, and closing debate

Voting and announcing results

Conducting Debate and Meeting Actions

How to debate motions

How to accomplish actions in meetings

Amending, withdrawing, and referring to a committee

ROBERTS RULES of ORDER-PODIUM CHEAT SHEET | To: | You say: | Interrupt Speaker? | Second Needed | Debatable | Amendable | Vote Needed | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Adjourn | "I move that we adjourn" | No | Yes | No | No | Majority | | Recess | "I move that we recess until (time or day) " | No | Yes | No | Yes | Majority | | Complain about noise, room temp., etc. | "Point of privilege" | Yes | No | No | No | Chair Decides | | Suspend further consideration of a motion | "I move that we table (motion) " | No | Yes | No | No | Majority | | End debate before the natural conclusion by the chair | "I move the previous question" or“I call the question” | No | Yes | No | No | 2/3 (66 .7%) | | Postpone consideraton of a motion | "I move we postpone this matter until…" | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | | Amend a motion | "I move that this motion be amended by…" | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | | Introduce business (a primary motion) | "I move that…" | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | The above listed motions and points are listed in established order of precedence. When any one of them is pending, you may not introduce another that is listed below, but you may introduce another that is listed above it. | To: | You say: | Interrupt Speaker | Second Needed | Debatable | Amendable | Vote Needed | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Object to procedure or personal affront | "Point of order" | Yes | No | No | No | Chair decides | | Request information | "Point of information" | Yes | No | No | No | None | | Ask for vote by actual count to verify voice vote | "I call for a division of the house"or “Division!” | Must be done before new motion | No | No | No | None unless someone objects* | | Object to considering some undiplomatic or improper matter | "I object to consideration of this question" | Yes | No | No | No | 2/3 | | Take up matter previously tabled | "I move we take from the table…" | Yes | Yes | No | No | Majority | | Reconsider something already disposed of | "I move we now (or later) reconsider our action relative to…" | Yes | Yes | Only if original motion was debatable | No | Majority | | Consider something out of its scheduled order | "I move we suspend the rules and consider…" | No | Yes | No | No | 2/3 | | Vote on a ruling by the Chair | "I appeal the Chair’s decision" or“I challenge the ruling of the Chair” | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Majority | The motions, points and proposals listed above have no established order of preference; any of them may be introduced at any time except when meeting is considering one of the top three matters listed from the first chart (Motion to Adjourn, Recess or Point of Privilege) . *see procedure and glossary. PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING A MAIN MOTION NOTE: Nothing goes to discussion without a motion being on the floor in formal business meetings. Under small group meeting rules, some discussion can occur, which serves to clarify what the business motions of the group/board may be before members so move. Obtaining and assigning the floor A member raises hand when no one else has the floor 􀁸 The chair recognizes the member by name How the Motion is Brought Before the Assembly 􀁸 The member makes the motion: I move that (or "to") ... and resumes her/his seat. 􀁸 Another member seconds the motion: I second the motion or I second it orSecond! 􀁸 The chair states the motion: It is moved and seconded that: . Consideration of the Motion i. Members can debate the motion. ii. The chair may propose a limit on debate in advance (“we will hear three speakers each, pro and con, for one minute apiece”) and put it to the body for a decision. If the body adopts the motion to limit debate, it functions as iii. Before speaking in debate, members obtain the floor. iv. The maker of the motion has first right to the floor if he claims it properly v. Debate must be confined to the merits of the motion. vi. Debate can be closed only by order of the assem

FAQs

What is the correct wording to move to adjourn or to recess in a meeting?

To adjourn, say “I move that we adjourn.” To recess, say “I move that we recess until (time or day).”

How does the chair handle debate limits and when can debate be closed?

The chair may propose a limit on debate in advance, and if adopted it functions as the debate limit. Debate can be closed by a 2/3 vote of the assembly or by the chair when no one seeks the floor for further debate.

What happens during voting, and how should voice votes be handled?

The chair asks, “Are you ready for the question?” and then states the question for an Aye/Nay voice response. The sheet notes the voice vote is not definitive, and those abstaining should respond accordingly or raise credentials.

Oct 13, 2026

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