Parliamentary Procedure

Phi Kappa Meetings are organized along the guidelines of Robert's Rules of Order, the standard work on Parlimentary Procedure. The first speaker introduces the topic for discussion in the form of a resolution followed by a 7 minute speech. The following speakers (including guests if they choose), have 5 minutes to speak.

After 2 minutes for each speaker, audience members (including guests) may ask questions with permission of the speaker.




A few basic rules of the debate:

1. Each speaker must begin his or her speech with the standard address- the non-member version is "Mister/Madam President, members of Phi Kappa, Fellow Guests."

2. Members and guests are allowed to enter and exit during meetings but only between speakers.

3. To ask a question, a person stands and states "Mister/Madam President." Upon recognition by the President, the person then states "Question for the Speaker." If the speaker yields then the person can ask his or her question.

4. The speaker's stand is called a "lectern," not a "podium."

5. The name of any other literary society at the University of Georgia shall not be uttered in the hall. They may be referred to as "the rivals" or the "society across the way."

6. There is no dress code for guests, but members wear proper business attire.