For many students, public speaking, especially in the fast-paced environment of MUN, is a terrifying prospect; however, being able to communicate your ideas and arguments verbally is fundamental to a successful conference. Delegates should be able to speak from a previous prepared speech as well as extemporaneously.
Preparation
The key to productive speaking is being well prepared. The delegate should have knowledge on his or her country's policy towards an issue, the history of the issue, and any current developments in the issue along with points that supports the delegate's position as well as the points that oppose his or her position. Being well prepared will provide the confidence needed to not only portray the country's position strongly but also address any differing viewpoints.
Speech Format
http://www.unausa.org
A productive speech should:
Open with: "Thank you Mr./Madame/Honorable-Chair/President etc"
Then include:
- Brief introduction of delegate's country's history of the topic
- The current situation of the topic
- The country's overall position on the topic/reason for position (i.e. religious ideologies)
- The country's position within the bloc, major powers etc
- Past action taken by the U.N. Member States 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
Prepared Speeches
Writing the speech ahead of time is always ideal so none of the important issues are left out. A productive speech needs to be both well organized and well written. The speaker will lose the audiences attention if the speech is too hard to follow. Just as important is practice. Practice reading the speech out loud over and over again to get a feel for where words should be annunciated or for where pauses should be placed. Another helpful hint is to only bring note cards with your speech organized in simple bullet points. This technique will help you easily find your place if you are lost and will keep you from reading your speech directly from the paper, which is neither powerful nor interesting.
Extemporaneous Speeches
In MUN extemporaneous speeches are the most common way for a delegate to communicate his or her opinion about a certain issue. While these speeches are not prepared before hand, you can still take a number of steps to ensure a more powerful response. First, take the time to write down some notes on what you would like to address. This step will keep you from rambling. Second, note what other speakers say before you: both comments made that support your argument that you would like to reiterate; and arguments made against your point of view that you would want to address. Out of common courtesy, you will want to acknowledge the delegate whose idea you are referring. Third, if numerous speakers before you addresses the same issue, try to bring light to an aspect that might still be unclear.
Giving a Speech
The following suggestions should be considered in order to give a captivating speech:
- Be concise: Cover every point you would like to address thoroughly but do not ramble. Rambling causes the audience to lose interest and weakens your argument
- Speak slowly: When nervous, people have a natural habit of talking faster. If you are nervous, take a deep breath and be conscious of how fast you are speaking. Do not be afraid to pause. In fact, pauses can add effect to a particularly powerful and thought-provoking comment. Speak confidently: In order to convince your audience that you are confident on the subject matter, you most first belief it yourself.
- Make eye contact with the audience: A good speaker will try to make eye contact with as many of the audience members as possible. Do not look at the floor when you speak or above the audience's heads.
- Use hand gestures to emphasize points: One of the main problems people have when speaking is knowing what to do with their hands. Do not be afraid to emphasize points with large hand moments
- Avoid unnecessary words or syllables: Try to use the following words as little as possible: "like," "um," "and," "a," "just," or any other unnecessary monosyllables. Also try to avoid words that would weaken your argument. For example, avoid: "I think," "sort of," "well," "might," "it is kind-a like," and "I'm sorry."
- Breathe: Most importantly, do not forget to relax and breathe both regularly and deeply.
Above all, the more you give speeches, the more confident and fluid you will become so practice, practice, practice.