Parliamentary Procedure & Public Speaking

Public Speaking

Public Speaking CDE’s in FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Memorized using a manuscript. Based on an agriculture topic. Extemporaneous Public Speaking: Given 30 minutes to prepare. Speech is delivered without using a manuscript or from memorization. Very little preparation ahead of time.

Benefits of Good Communication One of the most important factors in determining career success. Oral communications is always one of the top skills demanded by employers. What career does not need good communication skills? It will help you voice your opinion in important situations: Parent Citizen Customer Tax Payer

Benefits of Good Communication It is the nature of humans to form groups: Relationships depend on communication skills. Learn the ability to: Persuade others. Change things for the better. Seek civil justice and human rights. Display democracy and the freedom of speech.

Building a Speech Introduction Body Conclusion

Introduction Capture attention. Creates enthusiasm and emotion. Indicates the need for the speech. Makes the audience want to know more. Short stories and real life instances are good ways to start.

Body The largest part of the speech. Contains the information that you want to tell. Consists of several major points surrounded by a central objective.

Conclusion Reminds the audience of the objective or topic. May move people to action. Uses powerful, well planned words.

Getting Ready! Preparation and lots of practice helps the speech go more smoothly. Practice in front of others to become more comfortable. Have people provide feedback for you. Watch and listen to yourself. Mirror Video

Delivering a Speech Know your audience and what they expect. Stage Presence is the speaker’s: Attitude Ease in front of the audience Confidence Personality Poise Body Posture Personal Appearance

Agriculture of the World Speech

Meetings ???

What is Parliamentary Procedure??? A systematic way of organizing meetings. Governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.

General Principles of Parliamentary Procedure Parliamentary Procedure Extends Courtesy to EVERYONE!!!

Properly Getting Recognition Members must be recognized to speak. Members ask the chair for recognition In order to be recognized: Members must stand up. Once standing they must say “Madame/Mr. President”

Handling Motions There may only be one main motion on the floor at one time. The main motion is made by saying, “I move.”

Parliamentary Procedure Observes the Rule of the Majority Only motions that have been seconded can be discussed and take the time of the group. Most motions require a majority vote to pass. The chapter takes action only after a majority agrees it should be taken.

Parliamentary Procedure Ensures the Rights of the Minority Even the minority has the right to voice their opinion through discussion. Because of this right it takes a 2/3 vote to stop discussion. (previous question)

Parliamentary Procedure Terms Majority: ½ of the members present plus 1. Minority: Less than ½ of the members present. Quorum: 2/3 of the total membership; this number must be present to conduct business for the group.

Use of the Gavel The chairperson uses the gavel to control aspects of the meeting. The number of taps determines the meaning.

Number of Taps One Tap: Two Taps: Tells members to be seated. Used after passing or rejecting a main motion. Action on a motion was taken Used after the announcement that a meeting is adjourned. Two Taps: Calls the meeting to order.

Number of Taps Three Taps: Series of Taps: Signals members to rise during opening and closing ceremonies. Series of Taps: Used to restore order in the group.

Steps in the Order of Business Order of Business = Agenda

What is the purpose of an agenda??? Keeps the meeting moving forward. Provides a framework for the meeting.

Step 2: Reading of Minutes Step 1: Call to Order Performed by the president Opening ceremony is included in this part of FFA meetings Step 2: Reading of Minutes Reminds members of what happened during the last meeting. Read by secretary Must be approved by the body

Step 3: Treasurer Report Reports the financial standing of the club. Step 4: Chapter Report Officers and committee chairpersons report on chapter Program of Activities. Step 5: Old Business Business left over from the previous meeting.

Step 7: Adjournment & Closing Ceremony Step 6: New Business Presented by members in the form of motions. Step 7: Adjournment & Closing Ceremony Ends the meeting. Can happen by: Passing a motion. Having consensus of the body.

Presiding Officers Examples: Must be fair and impartial. Company Chairman Organization President Speaker of the House Chapter FFA President Must be fair and impartial. Must leave the chair when they wish to discuss business.

Voting Four Ways to Vote: Voice Standing Roll Call Secret Ballot The Chair can vote ONLY to make or break a tie.

Common Motions

Main Motion Used to get group approval for a new project or some other course of action. Wording: “I move…”

Steps to handling a Main Motion Stand Ask to be recognized by President President recognizes you by name Motion is correctly stated Motion is seconded Motion is repeated by President Motion is discussed President restates motion Motion is voted on Results of vote announced by President

Main Motion Requires second Debatable Amendable Majority vote required Can be reconsidered

Amend Used to change a main motion. 3 ways to amend: Wording: Addition Substitution Striking out Wording: “I move to amend the motion…”

Amend Requires second Debatable Amendable Majority vote required Can be reconsidered

Refer to Committee Used to gain more information on a motion before voting. Must include: The number people on the committee. Who appoints the committee. What power to act the committee has.

Refer to Committee Wording: “I move to refer this motion to a committee of three appointed by the president with full power to act.”

Refer to a Committee Requires second Debatable Amendable Majority vote required Can be reconsidered

Point of Order Used when one believes a parliamentary error has been made. Wording: “I rise to a point of order”

Point of Order Does not require second Not Debatable Not Amendable Cannot reconsidered No vote required

Previous Question Used to stop debate and vote. Wording: “I move the previous question”

Previous Question Requires second Not Debatable Not Amendable Can be reconsidered before vote 2/3 vote required

Adjourn Used to end a meeting. Wording: “I move to adjourn”

Adjourn Requires second Cannot be debated Cannot be amended Cannot be reconsidered Requires majority vote

Suspend the Rules Used to allow the chapter to act in a way that would be against the rules of parliamentary law of the constitutional laws of the organization. Wording: “I move to suspend the rules…”

Suspend the Rules Requires second Not Debatable Not Amendable 2/3 vote required