Lobbying

Get your best clauses into the final resolution.

The key to main submitter is being the first to talk in your little
group about your issue. Its golden time to make sure to make
your best impression.
Introducing yourself to the chair and getting to know him is a
useful idea for later in debate.
Subtly but forcefully get the resolution onto your laptop.
The best way to become main submitter is to know the
resolution inside out (or sound like it) and make others in your
group believe that you can make the best impression of the
resolution at the opening speech.

Figuring Out Your Countrys Position

A lot of the time, your country wont provide explicit

information relating to its stance on your issue. But, you must
learn to figure out its stance.
One way to figure out its stance is to take the issue to the
general level and see its stance there. For example, if you
cant find anything on your nations stance on corporal
punishment in schools, broaden out to its stance on corporal
punishment in general.
Another way to figure out the stance, especially when the
issue has 2 or more parts, is to consider its stances on each
individual issue. For example, if you cant find anything on
drug trafficking in the Middle East, look up the countrys
stance on drug trafficking and separately look up the
countrys picture of the Middle East. You are sure to get some
idea of your countrys stance.
You can also figure out a countrys position by considering the
position of its allies for that reason. This includes unions like
the G8, ASEAN, NAFTA etc. For example, if you cant find
information on Ukraines defence programme, but you know
Ukraine is (say) in an alliance with the United States for
defence, it is safe to assume that they share similar views.
Sometimes, economic situations make the stance clear. For
example, a Lower Economically Developed Country (LEDC)
wouldnt be too keen on increasing the amount that each
country has to contribute to the World Bank.
At other times, political ideas can help clear the stance. For
example, knowing whether a country is communist or
capitalist can help you decide whether your country will be for
or against a number of policies.

Translating Thought Into Speech (non-Impromptu version)

If you are not an impromptu (on-the-spot) speaker,

preparation is vital for you.
For all the 4 issues in your committee, decide on THREE
aspects of that topic that you are interested in talking about
and/or your country has information about.
For each of these three aspects, decide on a stance and think
of why your country would have chosen such a position.
After you get a resolution for debate, read through it and try to
see if your points are addressed. If they are, ensure that you
get up to speak about them, and whether youre for or against
them. If theyre not addressed, its a good time to either make
a speech informing the house of these issues, or to submit an
amendment covering one of these issues. Either way, you
should have substance to talk about.
If possible and appropriate, try and redirect the attention of
the house to your three issues, this will make it seem like you
know the importance of these issues and you know what
youre talking about. This is called framing debate. A good rule
of thumb to begin framing debate is to start off with, this
issue can be broken down into 3 sub-issues blah, blah and
blah.
Debate is always best when controversial. If your country has
a viewpoint that is opposite to what is being discussed at that
moment, it is always a great idea to go up and state your
point. Just make sure not to shoot down the other side
because otherwise delegates will start disliking you.
There are 2 times when your speech will make the biggest
impact. If youre a delegate looking to become a leader, these
times will be useful.
o Immediately once debate begins.
o A couple of speakers before debate ends.
Know how the flow of debate is running. Dont be the person
who goes up and talks about healthcare benefits for refugees
while the whole house is discussing reestablishment of
houses.

Translating Thoughts Into Speech (Impromptu version)

If youre an impromptu (on-the-spot) speaker, understanding

the flow of debate is vital for you.
When debate is running, try to catch which side is the winning
side and which countries lead it. If its a country that shares
similar viewpoints, take it as a chance to push yourself into
debate. If its a country that has an opposite viewpoint, its a
good time to use POIs.
For impromptu speakers, dont ramble. Structure your speech
in your head before giving it. The best speeches are either a
single argument that is continuously nailed in, or multiple

arguments that support one common idea. Dont try and

balance two sides in your speech, youre here to represent a
country, not to be a mediator.
When you have decided on your single argument, back up
your argument with references to other speakers, it makes
you seem like youve got your head in the debate.
Impromptu speeches work best towards the middle of debate
time.
Impromptu speeches are best kept short and frequent.
Frequent speeches establish you as a leader in your
committee. Frequent speeches should try and build upon each
other.
Impromptu speeches are good ways to refer to specific
clauses. A good impromptu speech could focus on a specific
clause. You could use a template like the following:
o Call the houses attention to a particular clause.
o If you are for the clause, explain how this clause is
beneficial. How does it link with other clauses? Does it
lead to a coherent resolution? Are there any elements
that could be fixed?
o If possible, talk about what other countries have said
about the clause and address their concerns.
o If you are against the clause, clearly identify the
element of concern. Never say anything like the whole
clause is flawed. Ask for amendments if you wish.
Establish whether its a minor flaw or major flaw. Explain
how it affects the quality of the resolution.

Techniques for Better Presentation in Speeches

Breathe while speaking. Dont be afraid to take a pause. Dont

try to say too much at a time.
If you have no idea where to look because youre scared, look
at your empty seat.
Project your voice. Even though therell be a microphone in
front of you, it wont work to your benefit until you project
your voice properly.
Be at ease, stand however you feel comfortable. If you dont
know what to do with your hands, hold the microphone.
DO NOT be a destructive speaker. Delegates will hate you.
DO NOT say anything like this resolution is vague, or this
resolution is so flawed; even if I could make amendments, this
wouldnt work. Youre meant to be diplomatic.
In your speeches, try to please other delegates. Use a bit of
humour, refer to previous delegates and make yourself seem
like an approachable figure.
Display emotion. If youre praising a resolution, seem happy. If
youre degrading one, sound serious. If the resolution is

completely against your policy to the extent that its offensive,

sound offended, get red in the face but dont shout.