A member stands up, is recognized, and makes a motion.

Waiting may be the most difficult… yet most important part of group decision making (i.e. meetings).

Step 1: A member of an organization who wants to make a motion must first be recognized by the chair (the person running the meeting: President, CEO, etc) of the meeting.  To be recognized, the member must stand, (or other modes may be used like raising their hand). In response, the chair states the persons’ title or name to assign the floor.  This seems like an obvious and simple first step, however, it is one that is often overlooked.

The member then makes a motion by saying “I move to … ” or “I move that … ” To keep business moving, the member should avoid explanation of why he is making the motion.  An explanation is most appropriate when members debate the justification for the motion which comes later in step four.