How to properly introduce a motion in parliamentary procedure using the phrase 'I move'

Outline / Skeleton

• Opening: In farm boards, cooperative meetings, and extension group gatherings, the way you introduce a motion sets the tone for the whole discussion.

• Core idea: The proper opening is “I move,” a crisp, formal phrase that signals a proposal for consideration.

• What not to say: Why “I second the motion,” “I propose,” and “Let it be resolved” aren’t right at the moment of introduction.

• How to do it well: A simple sequence—stand or rise, address the chair, say “I move,” then state the motion clearly.

• Real-world flavor: Think budget decisions for a small agribusiness, a new irrigation system, or a field trial—moments where proper language keeps everyone on the same page.

• Quick tips: A short script, a checklist, and a couple of practice phrases to keep meetings tidy.

• Wrap-up: When you introduce a motion correctly, you keep the meeting moving and the work of the group on track.

Introduction: a meeting can hinge on the first word

Let me explain something about parliamentary procedure in agriculture-focused groups. In a farm cooperative, a county extension council, or a rural community garden association, meetings can spin into lively discussions. People care about budgets, equipment, land use, and research trials. The way you kick off a motion matters. It’s not just about etiquette; it’s about clarity, focus, and fairness in the room. The simplest, most effective opening is the classic line: I move.

Why “I move” is the right opener

Here’s the thing: “I move” signals that you are presenting a formal proposal for action. It tells everyone, in one neat breath, that you want the group to consider something concrete. It’s a cue for the chair to acknowledge the proposal and for members to prepare to debate or vote. This phrase is the standard in meetings governed by parliamentary procedure, so using it helps keep the process predictable and fair. When you use the right words, you reduce confusion and speed up the path from idea to decision.

Common missteps you’ll want to avoid

Some phrases sound natural in daily talk, but they don’t carry the same weight when a group is working through a motion. For example:

• I second the motion: that’s a response to a motion that has already been made. It’s not meant to introduce something new.

• I propose: while clear, it isn’t the traditional, formal opener that signals “we’re proposing a concrete action now.”

• Let it be resolved: this phrase suggests a conclusion or a directive rather than the act of presenting a specific motion for consideration.

If you want the meeting to run smoothly, keep the moment of introduction crisp and formal. The audience will understand immediately what’s happening, and the chair can move the discussion forward without delay.

A simple, reliable way to present a motion

The common, courteous protocol goes something like this:

• Stand (or politely rise) to get the room’s attention.

• Address the chair by name or title (for example, “Mr. Chair” or “Madam Chair”).

• State, clearly and succinctly: “I move that…” followed by the action you want the group to take.

That last bit—the specific action—is essential. It’s what the assembly will discuss, amend, or vote on. If you say only “I move” and stop there, people will wonders what you want them to consider. Add the objective right after the phrase, and you’ve set the stage for a focused debate.

Example: a practical, everyday motion in an agricultural setting

Imagine you’re at a meeting of a small agricultural cooperative. The group is considering adopting a new irrigation protocol to reduce water use. A concise, proper introduction might sound like this:

• “I move that we adopt the proposed irrigation protocol for the upcoming growing season, as written in the document circulated last week.”

That sentence does three clear things: it announces you have a proposal, it states what is being proposed, and it points to the specific document or plan under consideration. The chair then asks for a second, or moves to debate, depending on the rules in play. Either way, the line has done its job.

What to do after you say “I move”

The next moments are about procedure, not persuasion. In many groups, a second to the motion is required to show there is interest in discussing the proposal. After a second is offered (often simply stated as “I second the motion”), the chair may restate the motion to ensure everyone understands it, then opens the floor to discussion.

During discussion, participants can propose amendments, ask questions, or express support or concerns. The key is to keep language precise. If someone wants to tweak the motion, they should propose an amendment in the same formal voice, e.g., “I move to amend the motion to include X,” followed by the exact change. This keeps the process orderly and avoids derailment from side conversations or informal remarks.

Practical tips for real-world farm and rural meetings

• Practice a short script: “I move that we [action], as [document or rationale].” Practice helps you deliver the line naturally and confidently.

• Talk to the chair beforehand: If you’re new to the rhythm of your group, a quick chat with the chair can smooth the moment you stand up to speak.

• Use concrete language: Vague phrases stall discussion. Specify the action and its scope. For example, “I move that we authorize the purchase of a drip irrigation system with a budget not to exceed $12,000.”

• Keep it brief: The goal is clarity, not drama. A concise introduction leaves more room for discussion and decision.

• Follow the room’s formal cues: Some groups are strict about standing, others are casual. Do what your group traditionally does, but keep the language formal for the introduction.

• Respect the chair’s authority: If the chair interrupts to remind you to state the motion, don’t take it personally. It’s part of the order that keeps people heard and the meeting fair.

A practical script you can adapt

Here’s a mini-cookbook of lines you can tailor to your context. Use them as a baseline, then adjust to fit your group’s norms.

• “I move that we approve the minutes from the last meeting as written.”

• “I move that we allocate $8,500 for the fall planting trials, drawn from the capital reserve.”

• “I move that we enter into a 12-month contract with the irrigation supplier, pending a final review of terms.”

• “I move that we form a small committee to explore soil testing options and report back in two meetings.”

Notice how each line states the action and, where useful, references document or scope. That’s the beauty of the tried-and-true opener: it creates a clean path from proposal to discussion.

A few more notes on language and tone

• The landscape of agricultural groups is diverse—farm co-ops, extension clubs, small agribusiness boards, and rural nonprofit committees. The language you use matters across all of them because it signals seriousness and structure.

• You’ll encounter a mix of friendly and formal tones. When you’re introducing a motion, lean toward formal wording. You can relax a bit in how you discuss it, but the moment of introduction should stay crisp.

• It’s okay to pause briefly after saying “I move.” The chair or the group may respond with a request for clarification or a vote. Pauses are natural; they’re not a sign of weakness, but part of the flow.

Why this matters beyond the meeting room

Clarity in introducing motions isn’t just a matter of etiquette. It’s a form of respect for everyone in the room. People come with different experiences—some with years of boardroom training, others just learning the ropes. A clean, conventional opening helps bridge those gaps. It guards against misunderstandings that can fester into debates about “what was really proposed” or “what documents are in play.” When the room hears a precise “I move,” the ground beneath everyone feels steadier, and decisions can be made with confidence.

In the end, this is about helping teams work together to move projects—from evaluating a new irrigation solution to approving a shared budget—forward with purpose. A single, well-crafted sentence—“I move that…”—isn’t just words on paper. It’s a commitment to fair process, clear communication, and practical progress in the fields we care about.

Wrapping it up: your go-to mindset

• Start with “I move” whenever you’re introducing a motion.

• Be explicit about the action and any supporting documents or rationale.

• Keep the rest of your remarks to the point; let the discussion follow naturally.

• Remember: the goal is clear, orderly progress toward a decision that serves the group and the work in the field.

If you ever find yourself hesitating at the podium, think of it this way: you’re extending a hand to the group, inviting them to consider a concrete step that could benefit the land, the crop, or the community. That invitation starts with a simple, proper line—and from there, the conversation can grow in a way that’s fair, focused, and practical.

So, next time you’re in a meeting that touches on budgets, tools, or trials, take a breath, rise, and say it with clarity: I move that we… And then let the conversation flourish from there. The room will respond, and you’ll help steer the decision toward something tangible, something useful, something rooted in the work we all share.