To obtain the floor using parliamentary procedure, a member must do what?

To obtain the floor using parliamentary procedure, a member must stand and address the chair. This is a formal way to signal that a member wishes to speak or participate in a discussion. By standing and addressing the chair, the member is following established rules that help maintain order and clarity in meetings, ensuring that everyone knows who is speaking and that the discussion remains orderly. This practice is particularly important in larger groups where multiple members may want to contribute, as it allows the chair to manage the flow of conversation effectively and ensures that all voices can be heard without confusion.

Raising a hand may indicate a desire to speak but does not fulfill the requirement of formally obtaining the floor. Waiting to be acknowledged is part of the process, but it is only effective if the member has first stood and addressed the chair. Speaking loudly is not a recognized method within parliamentary procedure and may disrupt the meeting.