DON'TS.
Don'ts for the Presiding Officer.
Don't say "I think," "I appoint," 'It is my opinion," etc., but say "The chair thinks," "The chair appoints," "It is the opinion of the chair," etc.
Don't say "The question is on the amendment 'fifty dollars'," but say "The question is on the amendment to insert [or to strike out] 'fifty dollars,' " An amendment is a change in the words and must always state by what method the change is to be made. The expression "the amendment fifty dollars" is meaningless.
Don't ask "Are you ready for the question?" if the question is undebatable or if a member rises to claim the floor.
Don't say "Those in favor of the motion will indicate [or signify, or manifest, or show] it by the usual sign [or in the usual manner]."
Don't say "Those in favor manifest it by the usual sign. Those opposed the same." If you mean "Raise the right hand," say so.
Don't, when voting viva voce, say "Those opposed will show it by the same sign." "No" is not a sign, and certainly it is not the same as "Yes."
Don't say "It is a vote," meaning thereby that the motion is adopted. It is a vote whether the motion is adopted or lost.
