Hi delegates!
This post is on the longer side, but be sure to read through it for a comprehensive guide on debating, making speeches, and asking points of information according to THIMUN procedure and the chairs’ recommendations!
THE DO’S OF DEBATING IN COMMITTEE
Some of the best opportunities to speak up in committee include:
Main submitter of a resolution
Making a speech or asking questions about a resolution
Submitting an amendment
Making a speech or asking questions about an amendment
Lobbying and unmoderated caucuses
When reading operative clauses and making a speech as the main submitter of a resolution:
Take as much time as you need to read through your resolution! Each resolution draft represents the work of several delegates, so be sure to present it well and deliver a speech that emphasizes why this resolution is needed. Point out the key benefits of implementing any programs or committees from your resolution, as well as any significant progress that would be made on the current issue. If there are any parts of your resolution that particularly stand out (i.e. in terms of strength, creativity, innovation, or uniqueness), feel free to point those out. If there are ideas that need further clarification on, you can address them in your speech or through points of information.
Be prepared to answer points of information. As the main submitter, you must be familiar with all clauses — even those written by other delegates in your bloc. This will better prepare you for responding to points of information from your fellow delegates.
If you would like to yield your time to another delegate (most likely from your bloc), be sure to discuss that with the delegate beforehand. They should not be put on the spot unexpectedly.
When making a speech on a resolution, following the main submitter’s speech and their responses to points of information:
If needed, clarify your delegation’s stance on the resolution (e.g. speaking for or against). Elaborate on your stance, specifying why you support or oppose the resolution. To bolster support, you can speak on the benefits that would result from this resolution being passed and having its action items implemented. Another approach would be to discuss parts of the resolution that are particularly strong, feasible, or innovative, setting it apart from other resolutions on the table. If speaking against, be sure to state what falls short of your expectations and what you would rather see instead. You can refer to other resolutions that address your concerns during this time, but try to focus on justifying what needs to be changed about the current resolution debated.
We generally discourage delegates from making speeches that ONLY state their stance, without any further explanation. For example, “The delegation of X supports and agrees with all the points made by the delegation of Y (main submitter). Thank you.” Even if it is a short explanation, be sure to elaborate on your stance!
There are no time limits for individual speeches, but the chairs may point out when time for debating the resolution elapses.
When making a speech on an amendment you have submitted:
Be ready to explain why you have proposed this amendment, and what beneficial changes we can expect to see if the amendment is incorporated (assuming the resolution itself is also passed). This may require some familiarity with the resolution as well, whether it is one you are supporting or opposing.
Be prepared to answer points of information from fellow delegates. You also have the option to not take any points of information, but the chairs typically encourage at least 1 or 2 questions per speech.
When making a speech on an amendment, following the speech and responses to points of information by the submitter of the amendment:
This is somewhat similar to making a speech on a resolution, but the focus is on the amendment currently being discussed. Clarify your stance on the amendment, and explain why you support or oppose the amendment in detail.
Similar to our note on resolutions, we generally discourage delegates from making speeches that ONLY state their stance, without any further explanation. For example, “The delegation of X supports and agrees with all the points made by the delegation of Y (main submitter). Thank you.” Even if it is a short explanation, be sure to elaborate on your stance.
Pay attention to each amendment, as there will be many opportunities for you to submit amendments to the second degree.
Points of information (questions) on an amendment or resolution
One of the best skills that you can develop during an MUN conference is learning to ask substantial questions. This requires you to listen and think critically about the resolution or amendment before you. In some cases, you may be able to identify issues with feasibility; at other times, you may notice that certain parts of a resolution rely on an unrealistic expectation or occurrence (e.g. an economy crashing or opening up borders to UN officials/free press when a country has refused to do so for decades).
Points of information to clarify terms or implications of a resolution or amendment are also encouraged.
Delegates often ask whether main submitters are open to considering a specific approach, funding source, or technology. This is highly encouraged for delegates seeking to submit an amendment, but first want to verify the main submitter’s stance on the idea.
Overall, we highly encourage delegates to raise points of information, whether they are to the speakers or to the chairs. When asking a question to the chair about THIMUN procedure, this is known as point of parliamentary enquiry.
Delegates are allowed one follow-up question after their original point of information to the speaker. However, the delegate should first ask the chair if a follow-up question can be entertained.
Lobbying and unmoderated caucuses
Lobbying is an excellent opportunity to communicate with other delegates in our committee. During this time, be sure to clarify your stance and discuss solutions from your position papers with each other. Blocs typically form between delegations of similar interests, and discussions within blocs continue as resolutions are drafted.
After debate begins on days 2 and 3 of conference, delegates can motion for unmoderated caucuses when the floor is open for points and motions. This most commonly occurs after time has elapsed on a resolution or amendment, and is an opportunity for delegates of same or opposing blocs to discuss how they plan to vote on the resolution or amendment at hand.
THE DON’TS OF DEBATING IN COMMITTEE
Don’t criticize or make personal attacks toward a speaker — focus on addressing their argument or the content of their speech. Even if you do not agree with what is being presented in a speech, keep in mind that the delegate speaking is simply representing the opinions of their assigned county. This does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the delegate themselves.
Don’t use language that is too colloquial, and avoid using first person pronouns when making your speech. Instead of “We believe… ,” use “The delegation of [X] believes …”
Don’t state your delegation’s stance on a resolution/amendment, or your agreement or disagreement with another delegation, without explaining why. Instead, speak as if you are trying to convince other delegates and the chairs — this means going beyond solely stating whether your country agrees or disagrees!
Don’t yield to another delegate if you have not notified or discussed yielding to them beforehand. If a delegate is unexpectedly yielded to and does not wish to speak at the moment, they have the right to refuse the yield and instead yield back to the chair.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! BMUN is a learning experience for your fellow delegates, and asking questions is one of the best ways to engage in the conversation. Questions can be anything from expanding on ideas in a resolution (delegate to delegate) to clarifications on THIMUN procedure during committee (delegate to chair). Points of information to the chair and points of parliamentary inquiry can typically be asked at any point throughout committee.
That’s it for now! If you have any questions about seeing these do’s and don’ts in action, be sure to comment below or swing by office hours this week. We’d be happy to help with familiarizing yourself with THIMUN debate and procedure before conference weekend.
- Karissa
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