Step 1 of Making a Motion: What happens when you rise and address the chair?

• A. Sit down after stating the motion
• B. State the motion
• C. Rise and address the chair
• D. Second the motion

Answer: (C)

Rising to address the chair is the first step in making a motion. This act signals to the presiding officer that you seek recognition and want permission to speak, which is why you must stand and address the chair before anything else. Once you’ve been recognized, you would then state the motion clearly (for example, “I move that…”). The other steps—seconding the motion and then debating—come after you’ve stated the motion. Sitting down after stating the motion isn’t the initiating step, and responding by seconding the motion or simply moving to speak without rising wouldn’t follow proper procedure.