MUN 101

Speaking and Caucusing

Confidence

 Speaking and caucusing is the most

essential aspect of Model United Nations,
but also the most nerve-wracking. No
matter how nervous a delegate is,
however, they must attempt to appear as
confident as possible.
 No matter how large the room is, and how
many people are in it, act as though each
and every one of them is your friend, or at
least a familiar business associate.
Speaking
 Delegates should always be attempting to speak,
especially at the beginning of committee session. Take
every opportunity you have to speak, even if you don’t
necessarily have anything really new to say – elaborate
on your previous speeches or those of your allies.
 If you are nervous, make your first speech a little shorter
to break your nerves, or bring a few notes up with you.
Try not to read from your position paper or an entirely
pre-written speech.
 Half the battle is making your first speech. It becomes
easier with every speech thereafter.
 There are a lot of tricks to speaking effectively, but what
is most important is that delegates develop comfort with
speaking to their committee and eventually learn to
enjoy the process.
The Practice of Refinement

 Over the duration of their MUN career, speakers

should work on practicing these skills:
 As mentioned before, try to avoid having your entire
speech written word for word on a sheet of paper.
Instead, write down key points. This allows your
speech to sound less robotic and more genuine.
Furthermore, try not to use filler words such “umm,”
“uhh,” or “like.” Pause if necessary.
 Try to stand up as straight as possible, and to avoid
fidgeting if you can. Don’t sway back and forth. Try to
use your hands to gesture and provide emphasis.
 Project your voice without shouting. No one wants to
be shouted at, but everyone should be able to hear
what you say.
The Practice of Refinement
 Try to avoid repeating exactly what previous speakers have
said. Say what you think, and what you believe should be
done differently. If you agree with previous speakers,
acknowledge what they’ve said, then expand and elaborate.
The best speakers distinguish themselves from the crowd.
 Use any key words that you know of for the topic you are
discussing, instead of saying “that agency” give the
acronym. But as a warning, only use words that you
understand. Spitting key words and acronyms at random will
backfire.
 Expert speakers will exhibit passion in their speeches, and
this will manifest differently from speaker to speaker,
including variations in tone of voice, as well as various hand
gestures. Whatever your style, passion is essential.
 Finally, try to time speeches to fill your allotted time without
going over. This is easier said than done, and requires
practice, but is possible with a bit of effort.
Caucusing

 Caucusing mostly shares its skill set with

speaking. Important characteristics to display
while caucusing include passion, confidence,
and intelligence.
 As with speaking, one’s first time caucusing is
the most difficult. If you’re nervous, try passing
a note before caucus to allies saying that you
would love to hear what they have to say, then
work with them during the caucus. Once you
have your bearings, try to involve yourself with
other groups and bring other people into yours.
The Actual Caucus
 When caucus begins it is often hectic and
overwhelming. There are often several large
congregations of people scattered around the
room, often yelling at one another.
 Delegates should stay calm and pursue at least
one of two options:
 Delegates can make their own circle. This is done by
asking allies to meet you before caucus, or by starting
a regional discussion, as well as gathering wandering
delegates.
 Delegates can also plunge into one of the other
discussions. This is more difficult. Delegates will need
to assert themselves in the ongoing discussion to
make a difference. Try to shift the focus from the
current caucus leader to yourself.
 A mixture of these two strategies is most effective.
Caucus Tips
 Make a connection. While it is easy to learn
someone’s country name, try to learn their real
names as well. The more you can connect to
people on a intellectual and social level, the more
they will want to work with you.
 Understand who stands for what, and what others
want to do. Delegates can either take mental notes
or physical ones to retain this information.
 Try not to be unnecessarily rude. Interrupt others as
little as possible. However, if others interrupt you,
stand up for yourself. Furthermore, if others do not
give you a chance to speak, create one for yourself,
even if you have to interrupt another person to do it.
Caucus Tips
 No delegate in the room is going to agree
completely with what you believe. Rather than
sticking exclusively to your beliefs, try instead to
create a set of values and ideas upon which many
nations can agree, while sticking as close to your
own country’s beliefs as possible.
 When deconstructing another delegate's ideas, try
not to be too blunt. Constructive criticism is key to
bringing them around to your side. Furthermore,
when you shoot down one plan, be sure you’re
able to offer an alternative.
 Use your time effectively. Delegates are rarely
given as much time as they want for unmoderated
caucus, so stick to the point and don’t get drawn
into arguments over minutia.