Robert's Rules in Plain English [Paperback]

Doris P. Zimmerman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0062734768 | ISBN-13: 978-0062734761 | Publication Date: September 5, 1997 | Edition: 1

At last, a book on parliamentary procedure that everyone can understand!

If you've ever had to run a meeting according to parliamentary procedures, you know just how difficult it is to keep track of all the rules, much less follow them. Figuring out what to say and how to say it seems an impossible task.

"Robert's Rules in Plain English" is the solution to that problem. Not only does it provide you with essential, basic rules in simple, straightforward English, it also includes sample dialogues so you can see exactly how those rules work in practice.

Using summaries, outlines, charts and forms, "Robert's Rules in Plain English" provides you with all you need to know to run a meeting successfully and to keep it on track.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

If you’ve ever had to run a meeting according to parliamentary procedures, you know just how difficult it is to keep track of all the rules, much less follow them. Figuring out what to say and how to say it seems an impossible task. Robert’s Rules in Plain English, 2nd edition, is the solution to that problem. Not only does it provide you with the essential, basic rules in simple, straightforward English, it also includes summaries, outlines, charts, and sample dialogues so you can see exactly how these rules work in practice. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Doris P. Zimmerman is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and the American Institute of Parliamentarians, and founder and president of Parliamentary Consultants, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 1 edition (September 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062734768
• ISBN-13: 978-0062734761
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,862 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Education & Reference > Etiquette > Rules of Order

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

216 of 217 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Short, Simple, and Easy to Use for Beginners, April 26, 2000

By 

James Schoonmaker (Centreville, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Robert's Rules in Plain English (Paperback)

This is a short, easy-to-use and understand book about parliamentary procedure. It's well laid out, and the beginning of the book has a good explanation of how and why parliamentary procedure works. It was written with beginners in mind. The order of precedence for motions is painstakingly and clearly laid out for the reader, as well as an explanation of why one motion takes precedence over another. Explanations of exactly what a motion does and an example of its use are included as well. Chapters are also included explaining the responsibilities of the chair, secretary, and treasurer, as well as a guide to setting agendas. That said, this is not, nor was it intended to be, a comprehensive guide to parliamentary procedure. For small or somewhat informal meeting, this book is all you need. For a large, formal group with professional officers, however, a full copy of Robert's Rules is recommended. This book is a great intro to parliamentary procedure, and is all you need to run most meetings. Even with larger groups, this is a wonderful book to keep at your elbow at meetings to use as a reference.

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clear and concise, June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Robert's Rules in Plain English (Paperback)

Our volunteer fire company decided to follow Robert's Rules a couple of years ago. Unfortunately the President quit and took the only copy with him. I ordered this book not because I run the meeting, but so I (as Treasurer) can help the new President and trustees in following the rules that we agreed to.

Although a relatively small paperback, it packs a lot of information. As it states, this book develops the overall concepts and specific procedures for running a meeting effectively and efficiently. It may take more than one reading to really get a handle on the how and why of ranking of motions, etc., but after doing so, I will certainly be able to assist the presiding officer of our meetings.

While our organization will certainly be buying the unabridged version of Robert's Rules, I will be recommending we also purchase several copies of the Plain English version for use at meetings.

72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introductory Text, October 22, 1999

By 

Wilson Chang (Malaysia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robert's Rules in Plain English (Paperback)

This book was written in simple English and easy to understand and a good introductory text to parliamentary procedure. Since it is an introductory book, one may not find the information or details required on some topics. After reading this book, if you want for more information, then go and buy Roberts' Rules of Order Newly Revised (9th Edition, 1990), the source of this book.