Terms used in the conduct of meetings

Abstain

Where a member refrains from voting either in favour of or against a motion.

Address the Chair

Where a member wishes to speak they must go through the Chairperson, e.g. ‘Madam Chairperson’ or ‘Mr Chairman’.

Adjournment

If a meeting is running out of time it may be necessary to adjourn the meeting until a later date.

Amendment

This is a change to a proposed motion by the addition, deletion or modification of words. An amendment must be proposed, seconded and voted upon in the usual way.

Ballot

A written vote with provision for preserving secrecy of each individual’s vote.

Casting Vote

An additional vote, usually held by the Chairperson, to enable a decision to be made if the votes when counted equally ‘for’ and ‘against’ a motion.

Majority

The greater number of members either vote ‘for’ or ‘against’ a motion.

Point of Order

A query raised by a member regarding the procedure at a meeting or a query relating to the standing orders or constitution, e.g. absence of a quorum.

Technology in Meetings

Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing involves using multiple webcams by multiple users and a internet connection. Therefore allowing meeting to take place over long distances and cutting out the need to travel.

Laptops

Laptops are used as portable computers and give members in the meeting access to file when needed. It also does not need any cables to power it due to its rechargeable battery.

Projectors

Projectors allow members of the meeting to present PowerPoint presentations, Graphs and Statistics allowing other members to clearly see and understand what the presenter is trying to say.

Projector Screens

Using projector screens give clear and professional presentations working with the projector. Without projector screens the projector cannot work at 100% effectiveness.