Robert's Rules in Plain English: A Readable, Authoritative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Running Meetings

by Doris P. Zimmerman

A revised edition of the bestselling Robert's Rules in Plain English, which still stands as the most concise, most-user friendly guide to parliamentary procedure on the market today.

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.

With an extended glossary and new chapters on electronic meetings and internet usage, Robert's Rules in Plain English, 2nd edition, is an authoritative, modern guide to running a meeting successfully and keeping it on track.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Reference, Leadership

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Bec]

I've facilitated a number of meetings, and once in a while some jerk brings up this guy Robert and his Rules. I read this book because I wanted to find out what it was all about, although I knew ahead of time that Robert's Rules don't apply to the type of meetings I tend to facilitate. Robert's rules set a clear process for parliamentary procedure, what is called democratic meetings in hierarchical organizations. I prefer to work with groups that make an effort to be non-hierarchical, so the process is different. Many of Robert's Rules are based on common sense, but force people to adhere to very narrow rules of action, speech and behavior. After reading this, I have to laugh at all the times I've heard that consensus and collective process are too time consuming or complicated. The main thing I learned, though, is that next time someone tells me we need to follow Robert's Rules in a meeting, I should say: "Your amendment is not germane to the motion on the floor! I rule your comment out of order!!!"

[Deg]

Bit simplistic but good introduction to the rules.

[Rick Stuckwisch]

Clear, succinct, and helpful. Exactly the sort of simple refresher I was looking for. Not "riveting," but a fast and easy read, very practical.

[Peter Dunn]

An excellent practical guide to running community meetings in a democratic manner.

[JR]

A clear guide to Robert's Rules. It had helpful examples.

[Karen]

While this was very helpful, my organization is not that big so I could only take so much from the book.

[Robert Murphy]

Highly recommended, but perhaps not for the completely un-initiated. I've been in on many parliamentary procedures and gotten the gist of it, without ever learning the rules. I recommend reading this book in the library (it'll take you an hour if you read quickly), and then buying Robert's Rules of Order (the full meal deal). You won't wanna return to this book, but it's a great introduction. But if you're a complete n00b, go watch C-SPAN for 30 minutes first.

[E]

Uh, nerdy? Sure. But sit in enough session, presbytery, and general assembly meetings, and you'll be glad you dusted up on your parliamentary procedure by reading this book. Basically you need to know about motions. What they mean, their rank, and how to handle them.

I don't think you need to read the real rules (Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised [11th Edition]) unless you are a moderator of formal meetings (aka not a session meeting), or a parliamentarian. Then, you need to have it memorized. Have fun.

[Mano Chil]

This is a concise statement about Robert's Rules of Order pointing out the most used rules in meetings or assemblies.

If you are a novice start with this book; however, you want a more elaborated information, you need to get your hands on other books.

[Mom]

Great resource and easy to understand

[Duan]

First two chapters I don't know why I'm reading this. What is motion?

[Astrid]

Good, basic review to lead and participate in meetings that follow parliamentary procedures.

[Shauna Ryall]

Great quick reference for learning how to chair or participate in board meetings which utilize Robert's Rules.

[Laurisa]

Useful "Cliff's Notes" version of Robert's Rules, including examples.