Tabling
During a period of discussion, one can motion to table the discussion item. Essentially, this pauses the discussion to either be resumed later in the meeting or at a meeting in the future. This could be used to pause discussion to garner more information, prioritize other agenda items, or wrap up the meeting if it is going over time. How this might go looks like this:
Member 1: "I move we table further discussion so that we can move on to item B"
Member 2: "I second"
From here, there usually is not a discussion period. The presiding Chair or Office will call for a vote. If there is allotted discussion time, one can always move to end discussion and move to voting as well.
Postponement to a Definite Time
Similar to tabling, one can motion to postpone discussion to a specific future meeting. If one's goal is to end discussion. Both postponement and tabling are valid motions to make. Postponement just requires the specification of when discussion will be removed from the table. This might look something like this:
Member 1: "I move we postpone consideration of this motion until the April meeting."
Member 2: "Second"
Here is another instance where it is up to the presiding Chair or Officer if they wish to call for a period of discussion. Those that may disagree with postponement or postponement specifically til the April meeting, can either voice their dissent in discussion or vote "no" in voting.
Calling to End Discussion and Move to Voting
Motioning to end debate can happen at any point in the discussion period of a motion. This is another one where discussion is rarely had since the motion itself is a "yes" or "no" decision on ending discussion or not. Do note that, unless specified otherwise, a 2/3 vote is required for a motion to end discussion to pass.
Amendments in General
The purpose of an amendment is to modify or correct. Generally speaking, amendments are made to correct information, provide explanation, or narrow in the scope of a motion. Some examples could look like this:
Member 1: "I move to charge the promotions committee with..."
Member 2: "I second"
(discussion)
Member 1: "I think this may actually fit under the outreach committee's charge"
Member 2: "I think you're right. I motion to amend the main motion to read the outreach committee instead of the promotions committee"
Member 1: "I second"
Amend by Substitution
Often, amendments are made to provide clarity or widen or narrow the scope of a motion. When the purpose is to alter one part of a motion but not change the entire motion, one can amend by substituting wording. One instance of a need for a narrower scope might look like this:
Member 1: "I move to charge the outreach committee with the action stated by our Chair"
Member 2: "I second"
(discussion)
Member 1: "We may need to expand what we mean by "the action stated by our Chair"
Member 2: "Sure, I move to amend 'the action stated by our Chair' to read as...."
