Give one example of preference in recognition that should be allowed by the chair.

• A. The maker of the motion should be allowed to debate first, if a member has not spoken on the pending motion and others have, and if opposing views have not been heard
• B. The chair should deny any preference in recognition
• C. The chair should automatically give the floor to the proposer
• D. The chair should give the floor to the most senior member

Answer: (A)

Recognition is the chair’s power to control who may speak and when. Allowing the maker of the motion to speak first in a situation where the maker has not yet spoken, others have already, and opposing views have not been heard is appropriate because it lets the mover clearly present the motion’s purpose, background, and intent before others weigh in. This helps ensure the debate is informed from the outset and prevents misinterpretation as different speakers begin to discuss the issue. The other approaches are less suitable: denying any preference removes a useful opportunity for the mover to introduce the motion; automatically giving the floor to the proposer is too rigid and may ignore whether the mover has already spoken or whether others should speak first; and giving the floor to the most senior member doesn’t align with the goal of presenting the motion’s own perspective first.