Puheenvuoroa

Puheenvuoroa is the partitive singular form of the Finnish noun puheenvuoro, which refers to a speaking turn or opportunity to speak during a meeting, debate, or formal proceeding. The concept denotes the right or chance to present one’s arguments, information, questions, or proposals to the assembly.

In parliamentary and other formal settings, puheenvuorot are allocated by the presiding officer according to the rules of procedure. A participant may request a puheenvuoro by phrases such as “pyydän puheenvuoroa,” or may be granted the floor to speak when it is their turn. The duration and order of puheenvuorot are typically governed by the body’s rules and the chair’s discretion. Interruptions and countenanced behavior during a puheenvuoro are usually regulated to maintain orderly debate.

The term is not limited to political institutions; it is used in municipal councils, corporate meetings, conference panels, and other formal discussions where structured speaking turns are required. In everyday language, speakers refer to taking or giving a puheenvuoro to participate in the conversation or to present a point at issue.

Grammatically, puheenvuoroa is the object form in Finnish; related forms include puheenvuoro (nominative), puheenvuorot (plural), and puheenvuoron (genitive). The word combines puhe (speech) and vuoro (turn), underscoring its meaning as a designated opportunity to speak within a group deliberation.