The language of meetings, with Jim Slaughter

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

1025. Have you ever wondered where meeting terms like “quorum” or “proxy” come from? In this episode, Jim Slaughter looks at the linguistic origins and historical contexts of these and other common parliamentary words. We discuss the evolution of words like “bylaws,” why minutes aren't related to time, how “filibuster” is connected to pirates, and why “majority” is often misunderstood.

Jim Slaughter is an attorney, Certified Professional Parliamentarian, Professional Registered Parliamentarian, and past President of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers. He is the author of four books on meeting procedure, including two recent books updated for the new Robert’s—Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track and Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules, Fifth Edition. Jim has served as Parliamentarian for many of the largest associations in the world. An array of charts and articles on Robert’s and meeting procedure can be found at www.jimslaughter.com.

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