Tips for M.U.N. Delegates

• Prepare a research binder - having a research binder will help you when the topics are out of hand. Make it a ready-to-access binder and it will be a life-saver!

• Frame your topics and speeches - as time is limited, you have to break out your topics into smaller issues and find what works more for your positions. Also, by doing that, your time will be more efficient and you will know what your goals are.

• Write out your first speech - you know what they say about first impressions, right? Same as it is. First speech is your chance to show off your ideas and impress the committees. And the good news is, in the first speech stage, you can prepare that by writing it out. So use that opportunity, because once you've managed your first speech, the next speech will be easier for you.

• Focus on one idea at a time- don't lose focus. If you start to get confused because of all the topics, see your notes again and stick with it. Focus on topics which are important for your position. Don't rush things.

• Learn the different stages of committee - there are so many stages that you have to follow. Learn that by knowing the term first and then what to do and when you have to do it. That way you will be more confident in the committee because you already know your field.

(Source: Bestdelegate.com)

• Keep it simple - to communicate in a strong and effective manner, avoid waffling or fancy wording and stick to uncomplicated sentences and language

• Make it official - try creating an official letterhead or seal for your country or organisation. The more realistic it looks, the more others will want to read it

• Get organised - give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure each paragraph starts with a topic sentence

• Cite your sources - use footnotes or endnotes to show where you found your facts and statistics

• Read and re-read - leave time to edit your position paper. Ask yourself if the organisation of the paper makes sense and double-check your spelling and grammar

• Speech! - a good position paper makes a great introductory speech. During debate, a good position paper will also help you to stick to your country's policies

• Make dot points - for speech-making, create a bulleted list of your proposals along with your most important facts and statistics so that you will not lost time looking for them during debate.

(Source: UNA-USA)

• Bold or higlight important words and sentences - in the rush of unmoderated caucuses, many delegates won't have the time to read the entire working paper. As you and your bloc will often find yourselves repeating the same pitch to different delegates, it is helpful to point to key words and sentences

• Copy chunks of raw data - sometimes your operative clauses will need specific names and data. For yourself, you can highlight the main points but also show supporting data which will help you persuade but isn't relevant enough to reach the final operative clause

• Don't write too much - some resolution writers feel clauses need to be very long and cumbersome. Follow the rule - keep it short and simple, especially when it's an early stage working paper

• Use headlines - every few clauses so the reader will understand what issue the clauses are dealing with. Using headlines like "United Nations-Facilitated Disarmament Oversight and Initiatives" will make the resolution much easier to read

• Have a cheat sheet - to keep up the ideas will let you do what you were doing anyway in a clear manner

• Give options when you can - working papers are about persuasion and negotiation. If you find ideas that can be solved in multiple similar ways, write both options and have it open for discussion

• Request comments - you will find some positive suggestions, and to do so, could bring new allies and new ideas.

(Source: Help My MUN)

• Follow the format - be sure to follow the resolution format provided by the conference organisers. Each conference may differ

• Create a detailed resolution - for example, if your resolution calls for a new program, think about how it will be funded and what body will manage it

• Cite facts - whenever possible

• Be realistic - don't create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure your body can take the action suggested. For example, the General Assembly can't sanction another country - only the Security Council can do so.

• Try to find multiple sponsors - your committee will be more likely to approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas

• Preambulatory clauses - historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action

• Operative clauses - policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain what the committee will do to address the issue

(Source: UNA-USA)

After many semesters of online engagement and socialising, WUDFA has made a list of ways to get the most out of online MUN sessions and meetings!

• Dress for the occasion - engaging in a MUN while at home can be difficult when pyjamas and comfy clothes become everyday attire, but dressing professionally can help you focus and put yourself in the mindset of a delegate

• Create a safe space - set yourself up in a comfortable, well-lit and quiet space for MUN, preferably at a table that is level with a chair that has effective back support. Also have a notebook next to you to quickly write down notes from discussion, this will help reduce the number of screens you have open, and will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and confused

• Research your topic and read your Directors' Briefing Paper - in order to stay on the committee topic, make sure to read the briefing paper's outcomes and recommendations section. This will help you tailor your information to these areas when it comes to writing your position paper and submitting draft resolutions. You can also prepare by reading your fellow delegates' position papers that are submitted to your committee Facebook group, so you'll be ahead in finding allies

• Look over written submission templates for MUN - if you are keen to be the outstanding delegate in your committee, you'll want to avoid submitting papers to the directors that are not accepted due to format errors or missing sections. Have a close read of the requirements for working papers, draft resolutions, directives (Crisis Council) and amendments

• Limit your screen time - being confined to a computer screen for several hours can strain your eyes and affect your concentration. During breaks, try to take yourself away from the screen to rest your eyes and mind. This is a good time to stretch and get the blood flowing with some movement

• Know your online Rules of Procedure - when using Zoom during moderated caucuses, always mute your audio when other delegates are speaking. As delegates don't have placards online, make sure to raise your hand, post in the chat or use the Raise Hand emoji on your screen. Unmods will either be conducted through breakout rooms in Discord or group chats

• Know your enemy - note the points and committee recommendations in opposing delegates' position papers that are submitted. Model UN relies on committee debate to deliver outcomes and negotiations among delegates, so knowing the positions and arguments of your opposition to a degree early on will help you persuade or compromise other voting blocs.

• Connect with delegates - keep a line of communication with your fellow delegates via other streams such as Facebook Messenger and Discord. This will boost your engagement with the discussion and help to reduce distraction

• Stay in contact with delegates - using various social media platforms to contact fellow delegates during an online MUN is essential. The beauty of direct messaging is that negotiations can continue privately during moderated caucus.

  • • Use Facebook Messenger groups to create a forum for your blocs and allies,

    • Use Discord for informal discussion while constructing a draft resolution,

    • Use Google Doc accessible to the whole bloc to create a summary of key points raised in unmoderated caucus.