Puheenvuoroon

Puheenvuoroon is a Finnish term used in deliberative bodies to describe the act of gaining the floor to speak during a debate. It is the illative form of puheenvuoro, meaning entering the speaking turn. In practice, puheenvuoro refers both to the right to speak and to the period when a member is delivering a speech.

In meetings and assemblies, a member typically requests puheenvuoro by signaling to the chair or standing up. The chair then grants the floor and cues the member to begin. The speech is usually directed at a specific agenda item, answer to a previous speaker, or the presentation of a motion or amendment. The duration of a puheenvuoro and the order in which speakers are heard are governed by the body’s rules of procedure (työjärjestys) or equivalent regulations.

The use of puheenvuoro is common in Finland’s Parliament (Eduskunta), municipal councils, and other deliberative bodies, as well as in organized associations and committees. The precise procedures, including how requests are made, how many speakers may have the floor at once, and the length of each speech, vary by organization.

Linguistically, puheenvuoroon is the form used to indicate direction “into the floor” or “to the speaking turn.” Common phrases include saada/saada puheenvuoroa (to obtain the floor) and puheenvuoron aikana (during the speaking turn).