Business formal meetings goes forward by motions, or proposals set before the group. Consider the following scenario. The chair asks: “Is there any new business?” A member responds: “I move that we allot $100 to build a Homecoming float.” The member has offered a main motion, which proposes an action. Before the group can discuss the motion, it must be seconded. The purpose of a second is to assure that more than one person wants to see the motion considered. If no one volunteers a second, the chair may ask, “Is there a second?” Typically, another member will respond, “I second the motion.” Once a motion has been made and seconded, it is open for discussion. It must be passed by majority vote, defeated, or otherwise resolved before the group can move on to other business. With the exception of a few technical motions (such as “I move we take fifteen-minute recess” or “Point of personal privilege—can we do anything about the heat in this room?”), the main motion remains at the center of group attention until it is resolved.
Let us assume that as the group discusses the main motion in our example, some members believe that the amount of money proposed is insufficient. At this point, another member may say: “I move to amend the motion to provide $150 for the float.” The motion to amend gives the group a chance to modify a main motion. It must be seconded and, after discussion, must be resolved by majority vote before discussion goes forward. If the motion to amend passes, then the amended main motion must be considered further.
How does a group make a decision on a motion? There usually comes a time when discussion begins to lag. At this point the chair might say, “Do I hear a call for the question?” A motion to call the question ends discus-sion, and requires a two-thirds vote for approval. Once the group votes to end discussion, it must then vote to accept or reject the motion. No further discussion can take place until the original or amended original motion is voted upon.
Sometimes the discussion of a motion may reveal that the group is confused or sharply divided about an issue. At this point, a member may move to table the motion. This is a way to dispose of a troublesome motion without further divisive or confused discussion. At other times, the discussion of a motion may reveal that the group lacks certain information that is needed to make an intelligent decision. At that point, we might hear from a member:
“In light of the uncertainty over costs, I move we postpone further consideration until next week’s meeting.” The motion to postpone consideration gives the chair a chance to appoint a committee to gather the needed information.
These are just some of the important procedures that can help assure that formal group communication remains fair and constructive. For more information on formal group communication procedures, consult the authoritative Robert Rules of Order.

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