Mastering Model UN Research Skills
Embarking on research assignments for a Model United Nations (MUN) conference can be an incredibly daunting task. Granted, understanding the background, current stance and prospects of a UN Member State is nothing short of complex. Adding the multifaceted global issues delegates find solutions for in MUN to the above mix, it is safe to say that research can inspire a plethora of attitudes on delegates (discouragement and intimidation included). In response to such feelings, w
Mastering Model UN Debate
Ask any delegate about the skills that they would like to improve through Model United Nations (MUN) and, chances are, most would mention “debating skills.” But before we go into detail on how to master the art of debate, let us begin by asking ourselves the following question, what is debating? Debating is the skill developed when two (or more) parties orally engage with each other’s ideas, arguments, and policies on a particular issue, aiming to convince others to favor the
Preparing for Negotiations in the Model UN Committee Room
It is as hard to master the arts of public speaking and debating, as it is to master the subtleties of negotiation. To the mere observer, a Model United Nations (MUN) delegate who excels at public speaking can steal the show, but both chairs and delegates know that it is negotiations where MUN’s most significant challenges lie. In fact, during committee negotiations, even the most experienced MUNers will find it difficult to meet their country’s interests, precisely as planne
Public Speaking - Conquering the Stage Fright Monster
Standing in a committee room cramped with delegates staring at you and somehow your peripheral vision keeps getting narrower, your voice shakes, your palms get sweaty, and your thoughts begin to scatter as you try to remember the exact words of the speech that is supposed to mesmerize the UN’s Secretary-General. It is almost as if you were in an out-of-body experience watching down on yourself from the deepest corners of your worst nightmare. Well, that might be a bit extreme
