Decision Making




	Decision Making

In the previous section, we looked at the phrases used by the chairman for introducing the different parts of the agenda.

Here we will look at the phrases used during the decision taking process. The chairman will use many of these phrases as part of his responsibility to clearly present the ideas under discussion; lead the decision taking; and summarize the result.

The decision-making procedure

1. The item is opened for discussion

The chairman reads out the item-

The matter is now open for discussion.

2. A proposal or motion is made

I move that…

I propose that….

3. To second a proposal

I second that.

4. To vote on a proposal

The chairman summarizes the subject and brings the proposal to a vote.

The pros and the cons of the topic have been stated as…

Can we come to some agreement on this issue? The proposal was…

Those for?

Those against?

Abstentions?

5. The chairman summarizes the result

The proposal is carried (or defeated ) by (4 votes to 3 with 1 abstention)

Very well then, we agree, (with some reservations; unanimously) that…