Points Explained
The complete guide to points of order, points of inquiry, points of personal privilege, and right of reply.
The Three Points (Plus Right of Reply)
Points are procedural tools that delegates can raise at specific times. They are NOT the same as motions.
Point of Personal Privilege
When: Any time, even interrupting a speaker (in most procedures). Purpose: Address physical discomfort — you can't hear the speaker, the room is too cold, you need a restroom break. Format: 'Point of personal privilege — the delegation cannot hear the speaker. Could they please use the microphone?' Misuse: Do NOT use this for substantive complaints. 'I can't hear' = correct. 'I disagree' = not a point of personal privilege.
Point of Inquiry (or Point of Parliamentary Inquiry)
When: Only when no speaker has the floor. Purpose: Ask the chair a question about procedure. 'What is the required majority for this motion?' 'How many signatories are needed for a working paper?' Format: 'Point of inquiry — could the chair clarify the speaking time for the next moderated caucus?' Misuse: Do NOT use this to make statements or ask substantive questions. Ask the chair about rules, not about topics.
Point of Order
When: Any time (may interrupt a speaker in some procedures). Purpose: Challenge a violation of the rules of procedure. 'The motion currently on the floor requires a two-thirds majority, not a simple majority.' 'The speaking time has expired.' Format: 'Point of order — the delegate's motion is out of order because we are currently in voting procedure.' Power: The chair must rule on a point of order. This makes it the most powerful procedural tool.
Right of Reply
When: Granted at the chair's discretion, usually after a delegate feels their country has been personally insulted. Purpose: Respond to a direct, derogatory reference to your country. Rarity: Most chairs grant this sparingly. 'The delegate criticized our policy' is NOT grounds. 'The delegate called our government a dictatorship' may be.