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Introduction to Robert's Rules of Order Page 2 of 3 <br />There are four Basic Types of Motions: <br />1. Main Motions: The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the <br />membership for their consideration. They cannot be made when any other <br />motion is on the floor, and yield to privileged, subsidiary, and incidental <br />motions. <br />2. Subsidiary Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is <br />handled, and is voted on before a main motion. <br />3. Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about <br />special or important matters unrelated to pending business. <br />4. Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning <br />procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before the other <br />motion. <br />How are Motions Presented? <br />1. Obtaining the floor <br />a. Wait until the last speaker has finished. <br />b. Rise and address the Chairman by saying, "Mr. Chairman, or Mr. <br />President." <br />c. Wait until the Chairman recognizes you. <br />2. Make Your Motion <br />a. Speak in a clear and concise manner. <br />b. Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than, <br />"I move that we do not ...". <br />c. Avoid personalities and stay on your subject. <br />3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion <br />4. Another member will second your motion or the Chairman will call for a <br />second. <br />5. If there is no second to your motion it is lost. <br />6. The Chairman States Your Motion <br />a. The Chairman will say, "it has been moved and seconded that we ..." <br />Thus placing your motion before the membership for consideration and <br />action. <br />b. The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly <br />to a vote. <br />c. Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it <br />becomes "assembly property", and cannot be changed by you without the <br />consent of the members. <br />7. Expanding on Your Motion <br />a. The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, <br />rather than at the time you present it. <br />b. The mover is always allowed to speak first. <br />c. All comments and debate must be directed to the chairman. <br />d. Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established. <br />e. The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless <br />called upon by the Chairman. <br />8. Putting the Question to the Membership <br />a. The Chairman asks, "Are you ready to vote on the question?" <br />http://www.robertsrules.org/rulesintroprint.htm 4/16/2015 <br />