Cracking the MUN Code – How to Prepare for MUNs

Executive Summary: How to prepare for MUN?

Have you ever been surprised by your own doings? Or have you ever wondered what would happen if you did something completely out of your comfort zone? I tried to ponder over such questions! And realized that I did have such a journey of my own at the MUN (Model United Nations) and penned down my experience of cracking the MUN code! But before, I share my tips and tricks on how to prepare for MUN, let us start from the beginning.

Public Speaking – From My Fear to My Fate

If I could give you the secret to overcoming your fears would you ponder over the how’s? Or would you be keen on jumping straight to this undisclosed piece of information you have been unaware of, for so long?

Let me recount my journey through a skill that I never knew would interest me. Today, this is something that I often identify myself with.

I would describe my 6th grade self as a shy, rather extremely introvert kid. I would NEVER dare to address a larger gathering of more than 4 people, and even those happened to be my friends.

Introduction to Model United Nations (MUN)

This changed when my social studies teacher introduced me to the MUNs and led me to unveil how to prepare for MUN. For those of you who do not know what a MUN is, I would indicate it as a conference with students from various schools representing different countries and having a structured and systematic discussion on different agendas relating to a myriad of issues spanning across many countries, very similar to a United Nations conference but for school and college students.

Related Read: MUNs through a CEO dad’s eye

My MUN Journey

Now that you know what a Model United Nations conference is, let’s  proceed to find out about my journey of public speaking and why should you be interested about the happenings of a teenager who was frantically trying to reach the top.

My first MUN

My first ever inter school MUN was not in a typical UN committee but in an Indian Parliamentary set up type conference. The committee was AIPPM (All India Political Parties meet) and I was representing a politician from the Indian National Congress. We discussed about ways to regulate black money and analyzed the Kashmir issue.

It was a very interesting experience for me, a 6th grader then. Although I tried to engage and participate as much as I could in the debates and discussions, I couldn’t understand much of what was said during the conference. Nevertheless, I did make out that listening and carefully observing how the senior students participate in debates was, in itself, a great learning opportunity.

Related Read: My Journey Through MUNs

MY Second MUN – United Nations Human Rights Council

The second MUN I attended was UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council). The agenda was about rights of journalists and the LGBT community. I was the delegate representing Indonesia. Indonesia does not have a positive stance when it comes to LGBT community’s rights. This made it very challenging for a 7th grader who had very little knowledge about the community to assert dominance in the committee. However, I did not let this become an obstacle for me.

I was constantly questioned and targeted, given my countries’ situation. Also, because I was the youngest member in the committee, I got earmarked as an easy target by other delegates in a hoard to earn marks. However, I did not lose heart and managed to confidently answered every question I was asked. This is what helped me earn a special mention award.

Why should one participate in MUNs?

Participating actively in discussions and carefully listening to the speeches of other delegates is indeed very fruitful. It exposes you to different ideologies and mechanisms that can be implemented to tackle various world problems. It helps you by expanding your thought process and enhances your creativity. This is one of the reasons why I strongly believe that students should take part in MUNs and debates.

Thereafter, I participated in many MUNs and learnt several things about how to prepare for MUN.

How to Prepare for MUN?

Here is a list of top things to do before and during the MUN conference to come out with flying colors. These 13 tips on how to prepare for MUN will help you make the best of the opportunity and maximize your learning from the conference.

#1 – Research

Research as much as possible and make sure to write down your GSL (general speakers list ) speech. I have provided specific inputs relating to the various aspects of the MUN proceedings. Ensure that you conduct thorough research in each of these areas.

#2 – Background Guide

Thoroughly read your background guide provided to you prior to the conference. However, do not copy-paste or use information from it in your speeches or position paper. The Executive Board does not want to read what they already know. Furthermore, this portrays lack of research.

#3 – Authentic Data

Use statistics and data provided by authorized websites only like BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters or the country’s official government websites. This is because these are trusted news websites and sites like Wikipedia can be edited, so they should not be used in speeches and documents. Very often delegates are asked to present the source of their data. Hence, be very vigilant and keep a track of the sources.

#4 – Prepare Few Speeches

Prepare a few moderated caucus speeches (speech about a particular subtopic of the agenda) before the conference. For this, you would have to brainstorm good sub topics. During the event, your aim should be to convince the committee during unmoderated caucuses to discuss those sub topics.

However, don’t get discouraged if a new subtopic is being discussed. In case you don’t have any data on the subject being discussed, your first step should be to listen to speeches of other delegates and clear your understanding, and then formulate your own speech.

#5 – Making Your Speech

Understand that you may never be able to present all your speeches that you have prepared. So, when you get a chance to speak make sure you include only very important and well written points since there is also a time constraint.

#6 – Active and Valuable Participation

Participate very actively during the unmoderated caucuses from the very beginning of the conference and try to assert dominance in the committee. Now, this may sound clichéd, but I assure you that being a prominent member of the committee is going to be extremely advantageous for you. However, when you are trying to do this, make sure you also have something valuable to add to the discussions.

#7 – Getting Recognition

It is also very necessary to be aware of the fact that almost every MUN has recognition problems. I know by experience that it gets very frustrating when you have really good points to present in the committee and you are simply not being given a chance to present your speech. This is one of the cons of the MUN and there is not much you can do about it, except approaching the chair members during lunch break and asking them to recognize you.

#8 – Writing Chits

Now, how do you put forward your valuable points and action plans, when you don’t get a chance to present your speeches? The answer is … chits! Make sure you write as many chits as possible (as and when chits are not suspended!). This will give you more points, provided that you write substantive chits that have important data and that are addressing the topics being discussed in the committee.

#9 – Raising Placards

Raise your placard for participating in moderated causes and asking POIs (points of information) as much as possible. POIs are questions one can ask after the speech of a delegate. Active participation is the key to making the most out of an MUN. This also helps you to enhance your skills!

#10 – Answering Questions

Try answering questions that you are being asked then and there only. Refrain from answering them via chits as it shows lack of confidence and preparedness with ready data.

#11 – Drafting Resolutions

Ensure that you are well aware about the format of a  draft resolution. Keep in mind that even a full stop can be extremely dangerous! Actively take part in presenting good and detailed solutions, preferably with sub clauses.

#12 – Garnering Support

To garner support for your draft resolution, start asking delegates from the beginning of the second day of the conference if they would like to be a part of your resolution. While doing so, see to it that you are not violating your foreign policy and that you support the allies of the country you are representing.

#13 – Be Confident and Enjoy the Learning

Last but not the least, be confident and participate in an MUN with the aim of learning. You are here primarily to improve your researching, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills and not to win an award!

Related Read: The Feynman Technique:4 Simple Steps To Learn Anything Without Breaking Sweat

Benefits of Participating in MUN

I hope that after reading about how to prepare for MUN, you would be encouraged to participate in these and other public speaking activities. I sincerely believe that such events are a treasure trove of experiences. They broaden your thought process, widen your perspective on global issues and possibly also provide answers to how global issues could be addressed. Moreover, you have the added benefit of making new friends and acquaintances, helping you increase your network and make the conference more worthwhile!

Related Read: My Journey Through MUNs

About The Author

Prisha Sinha is a keen learner and loves to read about world history. She engages herself in performing arts, singing and playing the Guitar. She is also a trained Kathak dancer.

She rates herself as an ambivert. On numerous occasions, Prisha can be caught painting the canvas with stories which she dislikes to reveal.