Written in a light and easy-to-read style, Mastering Council Meetings will save time, give you confidence and empower your council for effective discussion and decision-making. Elected officials of special districts, school boards, utility boards, city councils, county commissions, citizen advisory committees-any kind of civic body-will find Mastering Council Meetings to be an essential guidebook for running smooth and fair meetings. This book explains the most commonly used motions, presents efficient meeting procedures and summarizes effective leadership principles. Key rules for discussion and debate are assembled into one easy-reference list; motions are clarified with diagrams for quick understanding. Gritty examples of real-life meetings that did not go according to plan demonstrate how to respond to the unexpected, and how to establish systems and procedures to prevent disorder. The book provides specific phrases and language to use to keep things on track when folks are rude, crude or confused. Mastering Council Meetings extracts the essence of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition, and explains the basics in clear, practical language. As a bonus, the book's glossary provides easy-to-understand definitions of commonly used terms and the jargon of parliamentary procedure and Robert's Rules of Order. This unique, user-friendly book can be read through quickly and easily, and will remain an invaluable reference for effective, productive meetings.