What is the term for a brief pause called by the presiding officer without objection and without recess?

• A. Recess
• B. Stand at ease
• C. Adjournment
• D. Break

Answer: (B)

Stand at ease is a brief, non-decisive pause ordered by the chair that does not end the meeting or count as a recess. It signals a momentary lull in formal business, requiring no motion, no vote, and no objection, while the assembly remains in session. This is used when only a short delay is needed so members can relax momentarily or confer quietly without formal proceedings resuming immediately.

A recess, by contrast, is a more formal pause in business that typically involves a set time and can involve leaving the meeting; it usually involves a motion or specific chair action and isn’t just a quick, involuntary pause. Adjournment ends the meeting entirely. Break isn’t a formal term in Robert’s Rules.