Parliamentary Procedures Terms Used at a Meeting

second the motion

The approval of a motion by another member

aye

The formal term for yes

quorum

The number of members who must be present to legally conduct business at a meeting

chair

The presiding officer at a meeting, such as the president, or chairperson

the floor

The right to speak in a meeting without interruption from others

bylaws

The rules of an organization

amend the motion

To change the wording of a motion that has been made

table the motion

To delay making a decision on a motion

adjourn

To end a meeting

debate

To speak for or against a motion

standing committee

Permanent committees of the group

agenda

A list of things to be done and discussed at a meeting

motion

A suggestion by a member that certain action be taken by the group

minutes

A written record of the business covered at a meeting

parliamentary procedure

An orderly way of conducting a business meeting that helps groups conduct meetings in an efficient and fair manner

majority

At least one more than half of the members present at the meeting.