Writing and delivering speeches is an important aspect of the MUN simulation. Speeches help delegates convey the positions of their Member States, help build consensus and start formulating resolutions. Usually, the committee sets the speaking time, as the delegates make a motion to set the duration and if the motion has been seconded, the body then votes upon the suggestion.
Although speechmaking is very important to the MUN simulation, many delegates biggest fear is public speaking. It is essential that delegates come to the conference well prepared: meaning that they have completed prior reach, know their country's position, and even have objectives for a resolution. A good opening speech should:
Open with: "Thank you- Mr./ Madame/ Honorable-Chair/President etc.. :"
The speech should include:
| Brief introduction of your county's history of the topic |
| The current situation of the topic |
| Your country's overall position on the topic/reason for position (i.e.: religious ideologies) |
| Your country's position within the bloc, major powers etc. |
| Past actions taken by the U.N., Member States etc.. to combat the problem |
| Possible ideas or objectives for a resolution |
| Role of NGOs in combating the issue (if applicable) |
| Whether there is room for negotiation |
As there are no set guidelines for how delegates should execute their speeches, delegates should decide how they feel most comfortable delivering their speeches. Some delegates utilize their position papers as their opening speeches, others just write out some key points, and many just speak without any aides. Since public speaking is a skill it is important to practice, practice, practice.
Remember the audience should always be considered when making a speech. Be aware of the audience and their diversity. The beginning of the speech must captivate the audience and motivate them to want to hear more. Create the speech to meet the level of the audience (elementary school, high school, college). It must pertain to audiences' interests.
Mr. Anthony Hogan, Model U.N. International, suggests the system of six "C's" to improve your ability; Confident, Clear, Concise, Constructive, "Con Passion", and Critique.
| Confidence: Confidence is portrayed by
being as knowledgeable as possible on your subject and conveying this
knowledge through the power of your voice and eyes. As a Model U.N. delegate,
you are the authority and representative of your respective country. Research
well and speak as if you know you are undoubtedly right. As the speaker, you
must have confidence in yourself; otherwise the audience will have little
confidence in you.
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| Clear: A speaker can do many things
before-hand to assist them in speaking clearly. Write an outline of the topics
that are going to be said, and follow it when speaking. Always speak slowly.
This will allow the audience to hear everything that is said. Know your
terminology well beforehand to avoid fumbling with words. Try to enunciate
words properly, considering the diversity of the audience. English might not
be their first language.
|
| Concise: A good public speaker presents
his/her points in a clean and clear-cut fashion. Unnecessary words and
information should not be used to fill in the speech. The speech should be
brief and to the point--say what you have to say and open the floor to
questions. Do not ramble on about the topic in order to appear knowledgeable.
|
| Constructive: An effective public
speech needs to be constructed properly. Start with a solid foundation that
brings together all of your ideas, present your points, and then connect them
by reviewing what was said. There should be an introduction, a body, and a
conclusion. It is a known fact that three is a magic number. Say it once, say
it and review it, then say it again. This method will help the audience to
remember what was said.
|
| "Con Passion": It is always important
to speak from the heart--with passion--hence the Spanish term "con passion".
Always maintain eye contact with the audience. In doing so the audience will
feel connected to you and your speech. This is what you want. You want to grab
and to hold the audience's attention.
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| Critique: It is better to critique than to criticize. Critiquing is constructive and allows for people to grow and improve. Criticizing brings peoples' motivation and confidence down. A critique should be accepted positively, since it is a tool that is used to strengthen one's public speaking. |
These six "C's" are necessary and should be included in the research, writing, and delivery of the speech. It is also important to consider engaging the audience when forming and delivering a speech.
Audience
The audience should always be considered when making a speech. Be aware of the audience and their diversity. The beginning of the speech must captivate the audience and motivate them to want to hear more. Create the speech to meet the level of the audience (elementary school, high school, college). It must pertain to audiences' interests.
Some additional tips for effective public speaking: