What action should a member take if they wish to speak during a meeting?

When a member wishes to speak during a meeting, the appropriate action is to raise their hand and wait to be recognized. This practice is essential in parliamentary procedure as it promotes order and respect within the meeting. By raising their hand, the member indicates their desire to contribute to the discussion without interrupting the current speaker. This ensures that everyone has an opportunity to speak and prevents chaos or confusion that could arise if multiple members attempted to speak at once.

Being recognized by the chair or the presiding officer is a critical part of the process as it establishes the sequence of speakers and maintains a respectful dialogue. Thus, following this protocol supports effective communication and ensures that all members can be heard in an organized manner.