Robert's Rules in Plain English: A Readable, Authoritative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Running Meetings, 2nd Edition

This short book is certainly no substitute for the full Robert's Rules of Order, but it is a good way for the reader to get a good grasp and overview of parliamentary procedure. It is tempting to get so bogged down in the particular rules of procedure that the underlying principles of order and efficiency for the assembly are overlooked.The author says in the opening portion of her book, "Parliamentary procedure should be used to help and not hinder decision making. Robert said, 'The assembly meets to transact business, not to have members exploit their knowledge of parliamentary law.'" (p. 6).I recommend reading this work first, then referring to the full volume of Robert's Rules if more detail is needed. For most people however, this work should be all that is required to possess a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. As a Baptist pastor, I see this book as being particularly helpful to church leaders and members for their participation in business meetings, board meetings, and other decision-making assemblies. The knowledge contained in this volume is well-worth the price!

I used this book to prepare to be a parliamentarian at a meeting in which difficult issues of faith and values were discussed. It provided a good review of the rules, as well as practical examples of issues that typically come up. I also had a copy of the official latest edition of Robert's Rules, which I did need to refer to during the meeting, but I was much better prepared because of Robert's Rules in Plain English.The best take away: the whole point of the rules is to ensure that individuals are heard and groups can make decisions. Keeping that in mind is the best advice for those charged with enforcing the rules.

This is another book that should be required and rigorously reviewed and taught at all levels of education, elementary, secondary, high school and first year college. One of the troubles with our society and our young people today is that the more we seem to try to spend on them and teach them the more we move aways from basic critical thinking and basic knowledge requirements for success, towards merely using them as social or political tools for our own ends. They need basic foundational knowledge to survive in the world and the school systems are not giving that due to purely partisan curriculums on many campuses. This basic knoweldge of how meetings and debates/government should work is essential to giving our children the skills necessary to be active, participating citizens in our ever shrinking world.A great beginning book that even children can learn from.I have already given out dozens to organizations for both adults and youth groups as a means to enlighten them on appropriate processes in getting involved in groups, clubs, government and other entities.

I serve on a number of professional boards. Every time there is a change of chairman, in the interest of good order and effective governance, I give them a copy of Zimmerman. I also give a copy to high school students.Unlike many books on Roberts Rules, Zimmerman is not about procedure. Rather it is about how to use rules to get things done. She presents the rules in the context of situations, objectives, and scripts. The context informs the reader as to the purpose, intent, importance, and use of the rules. The scripts inform the reader about how to use the rules.Zimmerman empowers. It ranks right up there with Roberts itself. It is useful even to those who think they already know the rules.

If you are new to Robert's Rules, this is the best introduction. It covers all areas and summarizes key points and provides lucid examples of putting it in action. Of course it doesn't cover all the material of the main version of RR, but it's the best place to start. It will probably give 95% of people all they need w/o having to muddle through the RR original (which is tedious.)I've also read RR in Brief, and I much prefer Plain English because it is written in a more engaging style and offers higher quality examples. Start here, and then decide if you really need the full version (which is available at most libraries if you only need it occasionally.)

This is the dumbed down, easy-read, non-overwhelming version of Robert's Rules of Order.If you need the full edition, then you don't need this book. I usually look here first, but 80% of the time, I need to consult the full edition to figure out what has to be done. That being said, the full edition is not an 'easy read,' even for a native English speaker.

This is a practical guide to conducting an efficient meeting. I've used it myself and shared the book with friends and family.The narrative format is especially helpful. After recently being elected chairman, I had a chance to read the book a second time from a different perspective. The meetings ran very smooth, and I was very comfortable using the author's guidance and instructions.I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in business meetings -- whether as a member or as a chair.

Robert's Rule of Order, This book by Doris Zimmerman is awesome! Well defined easy to read and understand Robert's Rule of Order. Basically this book has save my position on committee that I was struggling with. Now after reading this book I have a better and clear understanding of my role in this committee! Excellent guide to Robert's Rules of Order, Thank you to the Author!!

It is exactly as it says, written in plain English for ease of reference

This is an absolutely fantastic book. So clear and full of practical examples. I've used this book to help me learn how to Chair church PCC meetings and I now feel well equipped to do that.

Anyone running a meeting under a set of Rules of Procedure MUST have one of these. The more complex the rules the more essential the information and guidance contained herein is required.

needed some knowledge on this

A little too plain English. I was hoping to use this as a quick reference tool for work but it doesn't go into detail enough; I end up having to refer to RRONR and this has become a useless tool. Would be okay for small non-profits' reference perhaps.