[header] How to learn robert's rules of order [title] Gain the floor. [step] Before a member speaks, he must be acknowledged by the chairperson. Depending upon your organization's procedure, he should either raise his hand or standing and state " mr./madam chairperson. 
" the member is not allowed to continue speaking until the chairperson has acknowledged him by name. [substeps] It is against procedure to begin speaking until the last speaker has finished his statement.