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Keeping Order
Many meetings today suffer from rude behavior by participants or bystanders. Personal comments, insulting attacks and disruptive behavior make it impossible for people to think clearly and come to good decisions. It is critical for a group with such problems to adopt a policy that will control bad behavior and ensure a reasonable atmosphere for discussion.
Once the policy is in place, the leader and the group members have the obligation of ensuring that it is followed. By creating a quiet, calm atmosphere in which ideas can be discussed, they will fulfill their duty to their organization. This is even more essential for an elected body or public agency, which has an obligation to their constituency and to our society.
It requires courage to interrupt a rude speaker or to insist on courtesy, but the investment will pay rich dividends. The chair should simply interrupt the speaker. A member can interrupt by standing up and saying loudly, “Point of order.”
Purchase these Jurassic Parliament articles to learn more:
If you are an elected official, study this Tip Sheet to master the exact phrases you need to keep order in situations ranging from rudeness to a riot:
Attorney Steve DiJulio wrote these helpful articles, published by the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington:
- Council Meeting Conduct and Citizen Rights Under the First Amendment
- Balancing the Council’s Right to Manage Meetings with the Expectations of Citizens
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Who May Raise a Point of Order at Council Meetings
Understand the mechanics of this motion, who may make it, how it should be made and when it should and should not be used.
When Should You Interrupt a Speaker
Learn when it is appropriate to interrupt a speaker and how to do it correctly based on parliamentary procedure.
Addressing Disorder in the Council Chambers
Deal with disorder quickly and effectively without letting the situation escalate.