The Complete Idiot's Guide to Robert's Rules (Paperback)

~ MA, PRP, CPP-T, Nancy Sylvester (Author) "Imagine the following scenario: As an active member of your community, you attend a meeting about an issue that is important to you..." (more)
Key Phrases: convention standing rules, other parliamentary authorities, other subsidiary motion, Parliamentary Pearls, The Least You Need, Legislative Council (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The authority on how to effectively run a meeting.

Perfect for the new president of a small group or the chairman of a large formal meeting, this guide explains everything from the ladder of motions to how to use Robert's Rules for any size or type of meeting. Expert parliamentarian Nancy Sylvester helps tailor the most popular form of parliamentary procedure today to meet any organization's needs.

€ Approximately 95% of all clubs, organizations, and governments use Robert's Rules of Order as their authority
€ Author is one of the few certified parliamentary experts in the country
€ Includes sample minutes, a sample agenda, and a full version of Robert's Rules for reference

About the Author

Nancy Sylvester is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, a Certified Professional Parliamentarian, and a Certified Teacher of Parliamentary Procedure, making her one of only 19 in the country with her level of designations. She is currently the National Parliamentarian for the National Association of Parliamentarians. She is a professor emeritus at Rock Valley College in Illinois, and an active speaker at conferences and seminars. She has appeared in the New York Times, Meeting Professional magazine, Successful Meetings magazine and Mastering Meetings from 3M.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (February 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592571638
• ISBN-13: 978-1592571635
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,367 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! An easy-to-understand guide to Robert's Rules, August 3, 2004

By	K. Lomanno - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently became the president of a board, and I must have read every book on Robert's Rules in print and on the Internet. I still didn't completely understand it. This book is the only one I've found that breaks down IN PLAIN ENGLISH exactly what each motion covers and does not cover, what order they must follow, and how to introduce them and get rid of them (kill, postpone, or pass). This book also goes over how to write an agenda, minutes, and committee reports. It goes over the duties of each member of the board. This book has become my Bible when presiding over my board.

The best part about this book is that it is organized and written clearly. The problem with most books on Robert's Rules is they follow the original text -- which is written in formal, "contract" language -- too closely. It's as if the authors are afraid to really explain the rules in plain English. I must be a Complete Idiot, because this book has been invaluable to me.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life Saver, May 27, 2004

By	Kate Gunby (Mercer Island, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I am a high school student who is currently chair of our Junior Class Mock Congress. I cannot even begin to explain how helpful this book has been as our Presiding Corps prepares to manage to group of 300+ students for a day-long meeting. Not only does it easily explain everything from Robert's Rules, the author is a professional parliamentarian who adds great tips on how to keep your meeting running smoothly. This book is a MUST for anyone interested in planning a forum or meeting, or managing the affairs of any group.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo to the writer of The Idiot's Guide to Robert's Rules, February 13, 2004

By	"brynteson" (Rockford, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews

I consider myself a novice parliamentarian. In a leadership role I have conducted many meetings. I have also been called upon to be a parliamentarian at church and other meetings. Finally, someone has written a book on Robert's Rules that is loaded with understandable and easy to read information. I believe this book will bring about a revelation of new leaders who will better understand Robert's Rules, resulting in more effective meetings. I would urge all leaders, who conduct meetings, to invest in this writing.