© by Mike Keenan

There are few vehicles as rich for students to practice communication techniques. Lifetime skills assist students to better pursue an education, profession and community interaction involving service club membership, assisting a hospital fundraising team or working out a family dispute. In addition, a wide knowledge base is fostered in history, geography, economics, culture, politics and world issues.

Pre-conference position paper

Speeches

Notes to other delegates

Working papers to develop resolutions

Resolutions on the issue to be debated by the committee

Formal and informal speeches

Strategies for questions and answers

Caucusing: small and large groups

Lobbying: one-on-one with another delegate

Using procedural rules

Goal identification, problem analysis from all sides, clarifying strategies

Lateral thinking, generating ideas,

Selecting, strengthening solutions

Planning for action, testing hypotheses

Consensus building, win/win skills

Negotiation, mediation skills

Listening skills

Cultivating allies and working with other delegates

Meeting delegates from other schools and countries

Utilizing reference books

Utilizing the Internet

Organizing information

Contacting NGO’s, embassies, people with expertise

Learning about world issues and diverse countries in the global community

Prioritizing

Working under pressure

Pacing, delegating, recognizing your leadership style, strengths and weaknesses

© by Mike Keenan

You are trying to persuade others! To be successful, you must attend to their feelings as well as their logic. To convince others that you have a solution to a specific problem or a valid point, you first, must get their attention. Then, using appropriate oral and body language, you must maintain their attention and make them want to act upon your instructions. Don’t forget: what you say and how you say it are equally important. In fact, many think the latter is actually far more important! Once you sit down, there will be many other speakers. How will you be remembered?

1. Humour is a dangerous technique in debate, particularly when discussing serious topics.
2. The machine-gun: use rapid-fire examples, piling up the evidence.
3. Begin with a quotation: a short quotation, proverb, saying, poem, etc. will often sum up the situation. If you can find it from someone in your represented country, the more appropriate it will be. If you are clever, you can use this technique repeatedly.
4. Begin with a startling statement. Make it lead directly to the problem. If you do not have a specific situation to refer to, begin with: "imagine that…."
5. Begin with a rhetorical question, something that the audience knows the answer to. Beware of this approach. It can be a weak start.
6. Begin with a specific example of the problem. Zero in on one concrete aspect and then build from there. In small-scale debates, you will have many more opportunities to speak. In large debates, however, you might not enjoy the same luxury.
7. Be aware of any time limits on your speech, and give yourself time for a strong finish before the chair cuts you off.

1. Demonstrate the extent of the problem. Use examples, statistics, and expert opinion.
2. Demonstrate the effects of the problem. How does it affect the people? Use examples and facts.
3. Demonstrate the causes of the problem. This might be difficult.
4. Demonstrate how the problem affects the others. Be vivid.
5. Present your solution or better, a joint solution from several delegates. Be clear about time, costs, people and other resources required. Try to show where similar solutions have worked.
6. Try to use visual images as opposed to dry expressions. Paint them a picture. Demonstrate how your solution will:

1. reduce or eliminate the cause(s) of the problem
2. reduce or eliminate the symptoms
3. help people
4. result in advantages
5. reduce costs; increase efficiency

1. Paint the opposite terrible scenario if your plan is not adopted.
2. Appeal for action and their motives of: fair play, desire to save, be helpful, pride, intelligence, community.
3. At the end of your speech, return to the topic sentence and revise it. Ask for their assistance by challenging them to do something, summarizing the important points, and indicating your own intention to do something. Close with a strong appeal for action.

© by Mike Keenan

Assume you are a prosecuting attorney. You try to convict someone for a crime. To convince the jury, you must present proof. Your proof must be factual, supported by credible documents, expert witnesses and other established forms of evidence. When you make your summary statement to the jury, your position will have been carefully built up piece by piece with specific examples, clearly presented and covering all of the issues.

Now, assume that you are the attorney for the defense. Your task is to discredit all of the evidence above and to poke holes into every argument.

These dynamics are part of model U.N. debate. One delegate wants to proceed in one direction and sway others; another delegate is determined to proceed in an opposite direction. Often, because of the country that you represent, you may have to argue for things that you, as a Canadian, do not really believe in. Model U.N. skills allow you to see all sides of an issue and determine the strength and weakness of any stance.

1. Did you use a variety of sources?
2. Do you have documentation ready to prove the validity of your sources?
3. Did you use the original language versus changing it to your own words?
4. Did you use evidence to support an argument? Evidence by itself is not an argument.
5. Does your evidence prove what is claimed?
6. Did you listen carefully to your opponent’s evidence?
7. Did you keep your argument brief?
8. Did you emphasize key words and phrases?
9. Is your evidence accurate?
10. Are your facts and statistics recent?

Some explanations:

1. A variety of sources demonstrate that you are resourceful and have done your homework. This impresses the judges.

2. Do not say that you used CNN or Time magazine. Western popular media is not good proof.

Try to quote from U.N. sources, resolutions, treaties, conventions, and speeches, recognized

documents such as the Declaration of Human Rights, etc.

3. If you do quote from a source such as the U.N. Charter, quote the exact paragraph. 8. A good practice is to use a variation of your topic sentence for your concluding sentence.

10. This can be embarrassing, particularly if things have dramatically changed in your country.

© by Mike Keenan

1. knowledgeable?
2. unprejudiced?
3. honest?
4. consistent?

2. Is it valid? Does it tell the truth?

If data or statistics are presented, are they sound?

1. gathered scientifically without bias?
2. reported accurately without being distorted?
3. representative of a large population or only a minority?

3. Is it objective?

Does it measure what it is supposed to measure?

a) are there enough pertinent examples to support the conclusion?

b) is each individual case documented and related to the whole?

c) have reasonable alternatives been considered?

d) has it been shown that a specific event caused a specific result?

e) if analogy was used, were any essential differences overlooked?

f) is the evidence consistent and were standardized methods used to obtain it?

4. Is it up-to-date? Normative?

Does it reveal the actual situation or is it ancient history?

1. if rapid change is not happening in this area, older evidence may be permissible.
2. ask for specific documentation, specific areas of applicable treaties, conventions, etc.
3. have enough examples been provided?
4. is the evidence based upon a wide distribution of the population?

© by Andrew Thomson

Abstention- abstaining from a vote means to withdraw from voting on a resolution instead of giving a “yes” or “no” answer. 

Amendments- are made to resolutions.  Friendly amendments require the support of the sponsors in order for changes to be made.  Unfriendly amendments can be initiated by anyone in the committee but require supporters and a majority vote.

Arab League- a body independent of the UN comprised of Arab states in Africa and the Middle East.  Some of its procedural rules differ (eg. Resolutions are non-binding to those who vote against it).

BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement)- what if your preferred solution cannot be accomplished or agreed upon by the committee?  Each delegate should have a BATNA on each issue that will be debated in order to promote compromise and co-operation.

Bloc- a group of countries that form a logical combination because of geographical, economic, or cultural considerations (eg. G8, African bloc, Arab League).

Caucus- a forum where the rules of debate are suspended and delegates are able to gather in groups and freely discuss and write with one another (for others a bathroom or socializing break).  Usually some of a committee’s most productive work is accomplished during caucuses.

Comments- if a delegate doesn’t yield his/her time during a speech in formal debate, the chair may recognize two delegates to make comments specifically on that speech.

Dividing the Question- once in voting procedure, a motion to divide the question means splitting up operative clauses to be voted on separately (eg. Vote on Clauses 1 and 3 together, but the rest individually).  This is useful if you agree with one part of a resolution but not the whole thing.

EU (European Union)- an economic and political union created under the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, it comprises most of Western Europe and Germany, and is poised for future expansion into Central and Eastern Europe.  Most customs regulations in Europe have now been abolished and a single currency is now in place, the Euro.  As a political unit it has formidable power vis-à-vis the United States.

Foreign Aid- money given by one country to another for humanitarian or developmental purposes.  It plays a key role in shaping foreign policy.

Foreign Policy- the attitudes and interests of a state towards external issues.  Foreign policy can be influenced by a variety of factors, i.e. Military strength, trading partners, history, domestic government.

Formal Debate- the committee follows a speaker’s list, and each speaker is given a strict time limit within which to make their point.  They must also formally yield the floor to questions, the chair, or another delegate.  Rules regarding motions, voting and “right of reply” are enforceable only in formal consideration, although at COWAC conferences informal debate is preferred for the most part.

G8 (Group of Eight)- a body comprised of eight of the world’s most powerful nations: Canada, the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Russia.

Informal Debate- can be entered into by a simple motion and majority vote.  The chair recognizes delegates wishing to speak, but there are no yields, time limits or opportunities to directly question one another.  However, it offers the chance to proceed quicker through various issues that arise during debate.

ICJ (International Court of Justice)- the ICJ is a body designed to resolve legal and territorial disputes between states.

Lobbying- refers to informal caucusing between a small group of delegates, usually outside the committee room while debate is still in progress.  One may wish to lobby another delegate for support on a resolution or policy option, but use with caution.  A delegation of two or more can afford to spare someone outside the room much more easily then a solo debater.

Motions- most motions can only be made in formal debate.  In fact, the only motion permitted in informal debate is to move to formal debate.  Motions must be made to open, close, postpone, or adjourn debate, to set the agenda, table the topic, enact right of reply, an caucus.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)- security organization created in 1949 by Western powers to provide a collective force against the Soviet Union.  In the post-Cold War era it has taken on new responsibilities in peacekeeping and enforcement of international law (Bosnia, Kosovo).

NGO’s (Non-governmental Corporations)- are organizations or associations that are not associated with a specific country or international political organization.  Their aims can be broad (World Vision International, Amnesty International, Greenpeace) or quite specific (Doctors Without Borders) in their activities and goals.  The United Nations has a history of working closely with NGO’s on issues, especially relating to humanitarian projects.

Non-Members- delegates who sit in a committee and are allowed to speak but don’t have voting privileges.

OAS (Organization of American States)- an international political organization comprised of North and South American states.

Operative Clauses- are written in resolutions following the preamble.  These numbered clauses set out actual solutions and initiatives for the committee to undertake.

Placard- is your key prop at all times.  Just be sure not to replace it with your own creation, or to wave it hysterically while someone else is speaking.

Points- can be raised in formal or informal debate.  There are two points that can interrupt a speech:

            Personal Privilege: if there’s too much noise, heat/cold, etc…

            Order: this point can be raised if a rule has been violated.

Two other points also exist:

            Parliamentary Inquiry: a question on the rules and procedure of debate.

            Information: general questions to the chair.   

Position Paper- a written statement by a delegate on a particular agenda topic, outlining one’s foreign policy, proposed solutions and alternatives.

Preambulatory Clauses- these clauses go at the beginning of a resolution, and act to introduce the issue (concerns, previous UN actions, etc..).  They are not numbered.

Rhetoric- using language designed to persuade that is often extravagant and laboured.  In MUN debating chairs often penalize delegates who rely on rhetoric instead of making substantive speeches.

Right of Reply- This can only be asked for in formal debate, if a delegate feels another debater has insulted and/or slandered their country or them personally. It is easily the most over-attempted and misused motion in MUN debating.

Roll Call- a motion made in voting procedure to individually call out each country’s name for their vote.  A delegate can vote for, vote against, abstain, or pass.  A country that passes will be asked again at the end of the list, but cannot abstain.

Security Council- the most powerful body within the UN, it is comprised of fifteen members, five of whom are permanent (see Veto Powers).  It is responsible for the UN’s peace and security policy, dealing with conflict through peacekeeping, sanctions and other measures.

Speaker’s List- In formal debate the chair follows the speaker’s list to recognize delegates.  Your country’s name can’t be on it more than once at a time.

Sponsor/Co-sponsor- Working papers and resolutions require sponsors (the main authors) and in some cases co-sponsors.  Being a co-sponsor does not necessarily mean being in support of the ideas presented, you may just want to see them debated in front of the rest of the committee.

UN (United Nations)- a good idea to learn this one.  The international organization that was created in 1945 from the legacy of World War Two to promote and protect international peace and security, co-operation, and human rights worldwide.  It’s legitimacy comes from the UN Charter, with its major bodies including the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the various committees that comprise the Economic and Social Council. 

Veto Powers- the five permanent members of the Security Council (U.S., U.K., France, Russia and China) have the right to single-handedly veto a resolution by voting no.

Working Paper- sometimes referred to as an “idea paper” also, although working paper is the preferred formal term.  It is drawn up in the form of a resolution, but its status as a “working paper” allows for easily made amendments that do not require the support of the entire committee, only the sponsors themselves.  Working papers are one step below being a resolution, and many are often combined into one.  Their overall purpose is to set out specific solutions or policy stances on an issue that can be debated within the committee.

Yield- In formal debate the delegate must yield his/her time a the beginning of their speech in one of three ways:

-to the chair: once the speech is over the chair takes the floor and moves on with the speaker’s list.

-to questions: delegates can ask questions to the speaker for his/her remaining time.  (A recommended practice)

-to another delegate: another speaker uses up the remaining time to give a speech, but cannot yield themselves.

© by Mike Keenan

Get noticed:

1. Be a name dropper

 Reveal knowledge of your country by mentioning current and past leaders.

“Our president, Forest Gump, has publicly stated…”

“Our secretary of state, (minister of foreign affairs, chief economist) Sir Francis Drake, stated that…”

2. Be a place dropper

“In Ottawa, our nation’s capital, we have concluded…”

“Our citizens in Montreal who are all fluently bi-lingual, would beg to differ with the honourable member from New Jersey. As our indigenous peoples, the Cumquoits, like to say, “a bird in the hand can be a messy proposition.””

3. Be a UN fact dropper

“Security council resolution 666 refers to this devilish issue as does GA resolution 123 which was signed by your country as does the Bible and the Koran and the New Zealand Protocol and…..”

“You will recall that in the OAS meeting held in downtown Fort Erie in 1999, members of the WHO and UNICEF tackled the thorny question of …”

“UN publications distributed worldwide and presumably available to your country, state that global warming is proceeding at a rate of one mile per hour in the US and just as many equivalent metres in Europe.”

“I know the representative from Turkey may think our Thanksgiving Day celebrations somewhat crude; however, may I remind you of your own dismal record in WW2 when your country was forced to eat crow.”

“China representing one third of the world thinks that…”

“Zimbabwe representing only one one-hundredth of the world but sitting in this committee with the same number of votes as China thinks…”

“Gambia acknowledges the following (name them) and their contributions to this matter…we also suggest…”

4. Be an appropriate quote dropper

“My learned friend from Cuba would do well to remember Gwilym George’s observation that “politicians are like monkeys; the higher they climb the tree, the more revolting are the parts they expose.””

“Our famous poet, Fred Smurtz, poet laureate of Bolivia, once said of this matter: “roses are red, but we would rather be fed.””

5. Use diplomatic jargon

Never say that another country is “full of crap.” Instead, politely infer that the speaker has his facts wrong or might be suffering from jet lag or perhaps is out of contact with his foreign secretary because his position does not jive with a recent statement from Kabul or Tel Aviv where representatives of France have implied the opposite.”

Mention your “honourable friend” or “colleague” or the “distinguished representative from India”, not the “dumb ass” who just spoke. Use sophisticated language not “oh yeah” or “I am so sure.”

See Glossary: Walk the walk; talk the talk.

6. Use parliamentary procedure appropriately to assist the committee, not impede it

Don’t interrupt a speech with a silly point of order such as “the room is on fire.”  If a savvy opponent is using a question as an excuse to launch a long speech, courteously turn to the chair and say, “Madame chair, is there a question?”

If someone foolishly asks you a yes/no question, reveal their silly mistake and your astuteness by saying “yes” or “no” but not “maybe.”

7. Always yield to questions as they represent more opportunity to speak. You can answer any question, even the most embarrassing BY RESORTING TO THIS TIME-HONOURED TECHNIQUE:

Re-frame or ignore the question.

Q. How do you justify using child soldiers in your country?

A  Thank you for that question. How important is liberty to our country? We will do everything we can in the pursuit of democracy. All of our people are prepared to fight this battle, our women, children, the elderly, those suffering from dementia……

Q. Why have you not signed the landmine treaty that has been adopted by 88 other leading countries?

A. Good question. What can poor, impoverished countries do to combat those with advanced weaponry, stealth bombers, huge tanks…….

Q. How will your country respond to the Lucas Plan?

A. (not having any idea about what it is) Thank you. Our country responds to any plan with appropriate study, thought and analysis. This is how we approached the problem of mosquitoes……

Q. What action will you take on Resolution 666?

A. Yes, Resolution 666 which of course precedes Res. 667. Unfortunately, I have misplaced that resolution but if the delegate would send me a copy I would be happy to review it (and shred it)

Q. Why did your country invade Iraq under the guise of WMD?

A. Yes. Just what can be done about ruthless dictators who suppress their people? For those of us who espouse democracy, the answer is self-sacrifice.

Q. Your policies have led to power failures all over the world. How do you explain your actions?

A. Exactly. That’s part of the bigger question: how do we manage the power of the sun? Our country is committed to solar panels….

Q. Your country intervened in Iraq stating that you were helping to free people from a tyrant yet when refugees tried to enter Australia, they were denied access. How do you explain the contradiction?

A. We have a record of working towards freedom yet freedom does not come without a price as the US learned Sept. 11. How does one maintain security yet remain open to liberty? It is a difficult task yet we shall meet it bravely and honestly...

or

         A. This question bespeaks a complete misunderstanding of our intent. Let me take a few minutes to   describe our success in assisting those who are dying for liberty. Perhaps I should first go back to our illustrious record during WW2…..Finally, I would remind the delegate that his own country has had some trouble with the infamous Spock affair. (if they ever get around to asking about it, slough it off as too distasteful to talk about or suggest that the entire country was wearing big ears in imitation of Star Trek’s Spock. (just kidding)  

        Q. Why is your homework not done?

        A. One would think that’s a simple question such as did you get enough sleep last night or was there an emergency or when a friend needs you, what should you do? Ten years from now, how will we look at this question? And just what is homework? Does it mean helping to prepare meals when your mom is working and your dad is in the hospital and your brother and sister…. Please stop me before it’s too late!

       You get the idea. NO question is to be avoided. And NEVER assume that the question has merit. Look upon it as merely an opportunity for you to show your stuff. Watch politicians on TV. They are really good at it. Well, most of them.

8. In fact, ask allies to ask you “friendly” questions so you may add to your previous speech. And help them with friendly questions of your own.

Q. We in Liberia have been working closely with the Congo to eradicate mercenaries. Would the delegate please describe this cooperative effort?

9. Finally, your country always has good intentions and is essentially seeking good results associated with lofty abstractions such as “peace, justice, equal opportunity, democracy, understanding, health, welfare, progress, conflict resolution”, et cetera and these goals are NOT easy. They involve “struggle, risk, blood, sweat, tears”, et cetera and sometimes mistakes are made by honest people who act for noble causes. After all, isn’t that what friendly fire is all about? We admit that sometimes collateral damage occurs (never say death and dismemberment) but it is a price that courageous peoples have always made. When you speak, think Viagra commercial.      

Good luck!

10. Country research organizer

Fill out and add to the country outline on COWAC’s web page; get copies of other countries from your schoolmates.  Build a country database:  http://www.cowac.org/textmuntools.html#mun

© by Mike Keenan

In Model U.N. competition, delegates with superior vocabulary often emerge the victor. You should assemble a glossary of terms that you can use to your advantage. Here is a start:

Abrogation: repeal of a law, treaty, or contract unilaterally or by mutual consent.

Accord: agreement without same binding force as a treaty.

Achilles' heel: vulnerability.

Adjudication: hearing and deciding a legal case in a court.

Aegis: power that protects. (aegis of the UN)

Affidavit: written declaration signed and sworn under oath.

Affirmative action: preferential treatment for women and minorities in business and education to redress discrimination.

Amnesty: pardon of political or other offenders.

Appeasement: surrendering to unreasonable demands out of weakness or foolishness

Armistice: cessation of hostilities.

Arraignment: court hearing where defendant is informed of rights and required to plea.

Autocracy: power rests with the ruler.

Balkanization: break up into small, hostile units.

Bolshevism: synonymous with communism.

Bourgeois: associated with capitalists.

Boycott: refuse to do business with.

Cadre: nucleus for a permanent military unit or most dedicated members of a political party.

Carpetbagger: an outsider.

Carter Doctrine: 1980 - "An attempt by any outside forces to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force."

Casus belli: act that that justifies declaration of war.

Chauvinism: unreasonable, aggressive patriotism or contemptuous attitude as in male chauvinism.

Christian Democrats: political parties in several European countries, usually Roman Catholics.

Conservatism: political philosophy that support the status quo and advocates only moderate change.

Coup d'etat: sudden revolt in which control of a government is seized by force.

Covenant: binding agreement.

De facto: by the fact itself, whether right or not.

De jure: opposite of de facto - by law.

Deflation: reduced economic activity, falling prices and wages, less employment, and less imports.

Demagogue: tries to win political support by playing to fear and prejudice, building hatred for groups.

Demographics: science of statistics such as births, deaths, marriages

Depression: prolonged business slump, low production, little capital investment, mass unemployment.

Despot: a tyrant; a ruler with absolute power.

Deterrence: defense policy that ensures sufficient military power to deter a potential enemy.

Devaluation: reduction in the value of a nation's currency in relation to other currencies.D

Détente: easing of strained relations between states.

Dissident: one who protests government injustice or abuse.

Divide and rule: maintain power by keeping enemies divided and weak.

Doctrinaire: theoretical and impractical.

Draconian laws: cruel laws.

Elitism: leadership by a select group or elite.

Embargo: ban on trade with a specific country.

Envoy: sent by a government to a foreign country for diplomatic business.

Ethnocentrism: belief in the superiority of one's cultural, ethnic, or political group.

Fait accompli: an accomplished fact.

Fascism: nationalistic, authoritarian, anti-communist movement founded by Benito Mussolini in Italy.

Federation: state made up of a number of individual states that share power with the central government.

Fiat: order or decree issued by a legal authority.

Fifth column: treasonous faction supporting an enemy.

Fundamentalism: religious conservatism that takes the words of the Bible, or other sacred text, as literal truth.

Geopolitics: influence of geographic factors on international politics.

Hegemony: dominance of a specific country as in Soviet hegemony.

Holocaust: extermination of 6,000,000 Jews by the Nazis in World War II.

Iconoclastic: one who attacks traditional institutions and beliefs.

Indoctrination: teaching of dogma, doctrine, principles, or beliefs, usually used in a negative sense.

Inflation: steadily rising prices, and falling purchasing power.

Injunction: legal order preventing an individual or group from carrying out a certain action.

Insurgence: revolt or uprising

Ivory tower: a place cut off from the real world.

Jingoism: aggressive, warlike patriotism usually in a derogatory sense.

Junta: military government.

Keynesianism: the economy has no self-balancing equilibrium that results in full employment. Governments have since accepted responsibility to provide full employment.

Laissez-faire: government should not intervene in the conduct of trade and industry.

Machiavellian: advocated use of duplicity and cunning in political affairs.

Macroeconomics: concerned with the overall picture of the economy, aggregates not individual parts. Malthusian: theory that the world's population grows faster than its food supply so famine, poverty, and war were natural checks against population growth.

Manifesto: public statement of beliefs.

Marxism: all aspects of society such as politics and religion conditioned by the economic system. Under capitalism, society divided into two classes:  capitalists who own means of production and distribution, and workers or proletariat whose labour is exploited by ruling class. Capitalism eventually breaks down because of its own contradictions and this leads to proletarian revolution and classless society.

McCarthyism: accused of subversion by smear and half-truths without supporting evidence.

Microeconomics: the individual parts of an economy, rather than the aggregate.

Military-industrial complex: political, economic and bureaucratic relationship between the Pentagon and its network of defense contractors coined by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1961.

Mixed economy: elements from the free enterprise system combined with elements of socialism.

Monroe Doctrine: opposed European intervention in the political affairs of the Western hemisphere.

Natural law: law that governs the universe, instituted by God.

Nepotism: appointing relatives to positions for which others might are better qualified.

New Deal: social and economic programs enacted during the first and second terms of Franklin Roosevelt. Non-Aligned Movement: over 100 countries who do not belong to any military alliance.

Oligarchy: control by a small group of individuals governing in their own interests.

Ombudsman: public official appointed to investigate complaints about government agencies.

Paramilitary: forces work along side of or in place of regular military forces.

Parochialism: small, local, narrow thinking, opposed to universalism.

Partisan: reflecting one party on an issue.

Petit bourgeois: lower middle classes.

Philosopher king: the ruler should also be the wisest person.

Plebiscite: vote by all  on an important issue.

Plenipotentiary: person invested with full authority to act as a government representative.

Plutocracy: government by the wealthy.

Pragmatic: whatever works rather than rely on ideology.

Preamble: introduction to a law or constitution that describes its purpose.

Precedent: a judicial decision serving as a guide for future decisions in similar cases.

Proletariat: the working class.

Protocol: a document that records the basic agreements reached in negotiations prior to the final form.

Proxy: someone who acts or votes on behalf of another.

Pyrrhic victory:  the victor pays too high a price.

Quid pro quo: one thing for another

Quorum: number of members that have to be present before official business may be conducted.

Realpolitik: politics based on practical not theoretical or idealistic notions.

Recession: a contraction in the Gross National Product that lasts six months or longer.

Red herring: something irrelevant used to confuse or take attention away from the something else.

Referendum: national or local vote on a single issue.

Repatriation: sending back of a person to his country of origin.

Republic: ultimate power resides in the people, who elect representatives to participate in decision-making.

Revisionism: drastic reevaluation of an accepted theory or doctrine, or historical event.

Sanctions: punitive measures, to put pressure on a country to change its policy.

Sanctuary: place of refuge or protection, where a person is immune from punishment by the law.

Sect: religious group that breaks away from a mainstream church.

Secular: not connected with religion.

Sedition: plotting against or resisting a government.

Social contract: a state and its citizens have an unwritten agreement between them.

Social Darwinism : survival of the fittest applied to human society.

Social justice: all individuals and groups in society are treated fairly and equally.

Stagflation: high unemployment and inflation at the same time.

Straw vote: unofficial vote to predict an official vote or to gauge the relative strength of a candidates.

Suffrage: right to vote.

Symposium: conference  for discussion of a particular subject.

Tariff: surcharge on imported goods and services to protect domestic products from foreign competition.

Theocracy: government run by priests or clergy.

Tribunal: a court or body empowered to hand down decisions.

Truman Doctrine: U.S. support for "free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures."

Usury: loaning money at excessively high rate of interest.

Utilitarianism: the duty of government is to promote "the greatest good for the greatest number."

Utopia: an imaginary perfect place.

Vigilante: self-appointed individual or group to maintain law and order.

Vox populi:  "voice of the people"

White elephant: something of little use or profit, maintained at great expense.

Xenophobia: irrational dislike of foreigners and foreign things.

Zealot: fanatic.

Zeitgeist: spirit of the times or prevailing current of thought and feeling in a society.

Zero-sum: gain for one results in a loss for another.

Zionism: a movement for return of the Jews to Palestine.

Add more terms to this list

© by Mike Keenan

Information on your assigned country will improve your success. Well-prepared delegates work in facts about their countries whenever they speak. Besides formal speeches, include data in questions that are strategically phrased to other delegates. (ex: "In our country, such and such is the case, and this has proven successful. How do you explain your country’s use of such and such which does not appear favourable?" or: "In our country, our leader, so and so, has demonstrated that such and such is the case." or: "Our economy is based upon this stuff. How does what you are saying apply to us?") Your evaluation is determined in part by how well you portray your country. Research makes this the easiest component.

Rule number one: you are no longer a Canadian! You are the ambassador of the assigned foreign country. This is a good learning process. You will soon see world problems and solutions from the eyes of other countries. Some simulations encourage students to dress in the country’s national garb to help get into this spirit. You represent the people and government a non-Canadian country. Best you find out as much as you can about it!

Here is a brief organizer that will assist you. Many questions can be quickly answered by using a World Almanac reference book that contains information on every country. The pocketbook version is a wise purchase because it will give you important data on every other country as well. This helps you to understand important geographical, political, historical, cultural and economic differences and similarities.

Your assigned country: __________________________________

1) Size: ______________________________________________

2) Location & neighbours: ________________________________

a) Major resources in that area: ____________________________

b) Major problems in that area: ____________________________

3) Population (by age groups if possible): _____________________

4) Population density: ____________________________________

5) Population growth rate, life expectancy: ____________________

6) Language(s): ________________________________________

7) Religion(s), percentages, issues: __________________________

8) History

1. early: __________________________________________________________________
2. recent: _________________________________________________________________
3. Important people: (writers, poets, artists, politicians, inventors, etc.) Include short quotes if possible. _______________________________________________________________________

9) Form of government: __________________________________________________________

10) Government leaders and parties: ________________________________________________

11) Economic system: circle – capitalism, socialism, communism, other

12) Type of economy: circle – agricultural, industrial, diversified, other

13) Gross National Product & average income: ________________________________________

14) Natural resources: ___________________________________________________________

15) Imports -- amount, item & country: ______________________________________________

16) Exports – amount, item & country: ____________________________________________________________________________

17) From above, foreign trading partners in order of importance to you:

a)

b)

c)

d)

18) Do you receive or provide foreign aid (technical or economic)? Amount? From or to whom?

19) Allies: _______________________________________________________________

20) Enemies: _____________________________________________________________

21) UN bloc: Western, Communist, African, Arab, Asian, Latin America, Non-aligned

22) Member of which international organizations: UN, NATO, EEC, OAS, OAU, SEATO,

ASEAN, GATT, Warsaw Pact, others:

23) Anything else pertinent – example: strong minorities, opposition in your country –

24) Other interesting facts:

a) motto:

b) flag, national symbols:

c) national anthem:

d) capital city:

e) national game, sport:

MUN Research Organizer #2

© by Mike Keenan

            The most difficult mind-set to change particularly with elementary students but also quite evident in high school debates, is the portrayal of foreign policy that is filtered through a North American bias. This is a natural inclination, yet we should try to immerse students in the culture and history of the country that they represent.

            There are several web sites that will help. Flags of the World is quite helpful. http://flagspot.net/flags/ Each country’s flag is portrayed. There are additional links to provide background on each flag, references which could be worked into a delegate’s speech, making the delegate more knowledgeable and comfortable with the assigned country.

            At this site, for example, the Canadian flag has sections devoted to: Canadian flag etiquette, the Prime Minister, Canadian Provinces, Territories and Regions and Cities links, Coat of Arms of Canada and Provinces, and Historic, Cultural, Economic Government links.

            Students should fill out this organizer:

1.      Country:

2.      Draw or reproduce a coloured version of the flag.

3.      When was the flag adopted?

4.      What is the flag’s nick-name if any?

5.      Explain the colours and symbols used and their origins.

6.      Is there a pledge to the flag and what is it?

            Another immersion technique is the national anthem. Again, lyrics might be worked into a speech.  National anthems for each country may be found at this useful site: http://www.thenationalanthems.com/  Lyrics may be found at: http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Library/9897/

7.      What are the lyrics to your national anthem?

8.      Translate them into English. (or another language)

ã by Mike Keenan

For a quick source of information on any country,

     A) go to Answers.com at http://www.answers.com/ and type in: foreign relations of… (insert your country name), and you will be provided with an overview of your assigned nation.
     B) go to Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia and type in the name of your country.

The initial task and prime obstacle for all students is a basic understanding of the foreign policies that they must defend as a representative of the country that they have been assigned. Most often, the biggest drawback is a North American bias vis-a-vis other countries. This is understandable as the established North American media generally portrays only one viewpoint on world events.

Thus, Rule Number One: you are no longer a Canadian! You are a Kenyan or an Indonesian or Swedish or the ambassador of whatever country you have been assigned. You speak for THAT nation. No other. This is where the fun begins! However, always remember, you must represent that nation accurately. We have recently added media links to the world press in our research section. Now, you may read newspapers from all over the world!

The best place to begin all of your research is right at our site.You will notice a Research section on our main page. It is composed of many useful Links and a separate COWAC search engine that will allow you to search through all of our study guides.

One practice that most MUN's support is that they allow delegates to dress in the native garb of their specific country. For example, wearing a robe and a headband might help make you feel more like an Arab. Anything that you can do to get into the shoes of a person from that country will make your role easier. If native dress is not an option, delegates dress as they would at the actual U.N. building. Time to get out the shirt, tie and suit, gentlemen! U.N. delegates do not wear jeans!

Sometimes, you will represent the most powerful economic nations in the world. On other occasions, you will represent the poorest, most backward countries on earth. During these varied experiences, you will begin to discover firsthand how various groups of countries act in their own best interests. You will uncover both allies and enemies. You will struggle with common problems and those unique to your country. You might have access to nuclear energy and satellite technology or you may be placed farther back in an agrarian economy, dependant on animals rather than machines.

If you are portraying a poor country, the issue of foreign aid will allow you to court other nations, often, however, at the expense of various tradeoffs. To succeed and prosper, you will become a strong negotiator. At MUN's, despite your country's relative stance in the world pecking order, you will have what every other nation there wants and desperately needs: one vote. That evens up the playing field. In fact, many students soon realize that it is far easier and advantageous to represent a country that others do not know much about versus one of those whose faults are always on display on CNN.

Politically, you might live in a democratic country or under the rule of a despot. Your country might welcome diverse religious choice or be committed to narrow fundamentalism. You might represent China with one-quarter of the population of the entire world or a nation of miniscule proportions. Your country may be at peace or at war. Your key initial contacts should be officials of those particular countries in Canada or at the UN itself, in New York City. We have links provided for you to accomplish this in our COWAC Search Engine & Links section. (see main page)

To succeed at any Model United Nations, a delegate needs to be well prepared by research into the following key areas: General information concerning the nation and/or region that they are representing and specific information on the current position taken on the simulation's issues or topics.

Libraries do not always contain adequate information to thoroughly deal with these issues. It is often useful to write directly to a representative of "your" country for some specific information. Remember these simple guidelines: Write early! You are not likely to be a top priority for an embassy's diplomat. Four to six weeks (or more) may be required for a reply Use the full address and direct the letter to the attention of the "Public Information Officer" Be brief and business-like, but be certain to identify yourself and your role, the exact nature of the topic(s) and the exact type of material requested. Request copies of any statements or policy papers made on your topic. Also request a copy of the opening speech at the beginning of the current U.N. General Assembly. Frequently, this speech will provide good background material on that country's views of the most vital issues of the day.

The more specific you can be, the easier it is for the official to organize relevant information and get your request en route to you. If possible, type the letter in full business letter format on school letterhead. Look professional! Remember your return address!! Remember that English is probably not the first language of communication for "your" country, and indicate if you can work with materials in another language. For French or Spanish-speaking countries, this device, with your teacher's concurrence, could easily become an interesting component of your high school language course.

For both efficient country and issue research, our COWAC Search Engine & Links page has been designed to allow you to perform all of your research from our site alone. >From our site, you may easily research your country, world issues, treaties and conventions, material from the U.N., etc., etc.

In fact, you will end up with far more material than you know what to do with. This becomes a MUN skill, prioritizing material. During the course of debate, you may work in your material to demonstrate that you know your country and its foreign policy. Anyone can prepare for a specific issue; however, your task is quite different and more challenging. You must accurately represent the country that you have been allotted.

Often, you will be arguing against things that you as a Canadian, might not actually believe in. This is one of the goals of MUN, to force you to look at all sides of an issue. You will become a far superior debater when you are able to see all sides.

A word of warning: if you represent countries that play a large role in world issues, you had best know their foreign policy. I recently witnessed a Russian delegate in an "experienced" Security Council simulation actually vote against his veto power! Knowledge of foreign policy should constitute a large portion of the delegate's evaluation. Otherwise, the simulation is lacking in history, accuracy and depth.

Use our COWAC Search Engine & Links section to your advantage! There, you will find amongst other things, links to:

• the United Nations Homepage
• a list of Permanent Missions of the UN Member States in New York
  (many of which now have e-mail addresses or even web sites),
• a list of Foreign Embassies and High Commissions in Ottawa,
• a United Nations Web Locator,
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
• Canada's Dept of Foreign Affairs, Dept of National Defense and Statistics Canada,
• World Governments - alphabetical list of countries with many valuable links to make your country research that much easier.

Begin your speeches and questions with allusions to your country even if it is only your country's name. Every time you speak, even in caucus, try to bring in some relevant information about your country. You are the ambassador!

Your committee:________________________

Your Country:__________________________

Your name(s): ___________________/_______________________

Your School:_________________________

Choose:

a) a topic or issue from the study guide: _______________________________________________________________________

b) a country in your committee, deemed to be adversarial on the topic: ______________________________________________

Carefully fill in the following organizer:

Your Interests:	Their Interests:
1.	1.
2.	2.
3.	3.

Your Options:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Standards (be specific):

1.

2.

3.

4.

Your BATNA (Best alternative to a negotiated settlement):

Their perceived BATNA:

Proposals (be specific):

1) Aspirations:

2) Content with:

3) Live with:

Finally: Summarize your county's position on one of the assigned topics. More importantly, indicate some ways in which your strategies might be altered or adjusted during the conference debate. Type one-quarter page.

In smaller committees, the chair will often allow opening speeches by each country. In the larger committees, the chair might designate one nation to be the honorary opening speaker.

Keep this outline handy during the debate. Refer to it, and use it to help guide your efforts in debate and caucus. It will help to make you appear consistent and keep you on track.

Research Tips

By Chris Bittle, Shannon-Marie Soni and Mike Keenan

The following is an outline that may be used by teachers and students to prepare for MUN activities:

Discussion of bias

…or why you should not get China’s foreign policy from a Tom Clancy book.

· Everything in politics is contestable…all writing is slanted in one way or another, even the author who states that he/she is basing their work on empirical data.

History

…issues in MUN can most often be rooted in history.  It explains much about a given situation…ie Muslim/Serb conflict began on the Field of Blackbird in 1389 at the Battle of Kossovo and not a few years ago with some random ethnic cleansing.

· Look at old UN resolutions about a given situation.

· Often nations will act in predictable ways….ie the US will not send troops to Africa, China is opposed to the decline in importance of state sovereignty (ie NATO attack on Kossovo)

·  Go through the resources available, focusing on the wonderful tool that is the internet…explain some websites….major benefits and downfalls.

· www.un.org ….great website…first one that we will rely on this year for a research project of our own…however be careful because the internet can also be a vast wasteland.

·  Discuss books (remember those dust covered things in the school library), embassies, journals, newspapers and TV news. What is the alternative press? Who is Noam Chomsky and why is he not allowed into the mainstream press?

· Touch briefly on the fact that School Libraries may not be the best place to do research (even though their librarians may be great)…Use the University Library particularly if they have UN resources.

· What to do when you have to represent a Micro-state….it may be difficult to find the foreign policy of Mauritius for the next couple of years in the Security Council.

· Look at regional interests, alliances and organizations.   

· Examine economic interests – if 75% of their trade is with the US, they will probably be friendly to American policies.

· The same with foreign aid.

· Be aware of the domestic politics, the political splits and leaders and how that impinges on foreign policy.  A good example is Israel’s Knesset. The role and power of the fundamentalist minority, etc.

 Quotes to Spark Discussion

Words of Wisdom

· France will remain in Algeria. The bonds linking metropolitan France and Algeria are indissoluble.  

Guy Mollet, French P. M., 1956

· After Chiang Kai-Shek has landed and maintained himself for three months on the mainland, the communist menace to Asia will be finished and the whole of Asia will turn anti-Communist.    

Henry Luce, Publisher of Time, 1952

· Castro has been accused of communist sympathies, but this means very little since all opponents of the regime are automatically called communists. In fact, he is further to the right than General Batista.    

The Economist, 1958

· Don't ask me to make diplomatic relations with Israel. Never.  

Anwar Sadat, Egyptian President, 1970

· The French people are incapable of regicide.    

King Louis XVI of France, 1789  

· The socialist German Democratic Republic and the capitalist Federal German Republic cannot be merged, let alone reunited. It is impossible as bringing together fire and water.   

Oskar Fischer, East German Foreign Minister

· Confidence exists between me and my people. They trust me. I trust in them.    

The Shah of Iran, 1974

· Thank you for your continued support in our mutual efforts to suppress illicit drug trafficking and to ensure a safer and healthier environment for all of our citizens.   

William French Smith, U.S. Attorney General, letter to Manuel Noriega, 1984

· Gaiety is the most outstanding feature of the Soviet Union.  

Joseph Stalin, 1935

· We have the happiest Africans in the world.        

Ian Smith, Prime Minister of Rhodesia, 1971

Add your own!

These MUN grads represent a wealth of knowledge from years of debate and chairing. As many will chair at INMUN, you may readily observe what they look for.

Tipster: Brad Andrews

Novice: 1. Stay calm; the best speakers are those who are cool and collected. 2. Don't fear your chairs, they aren't there to judge you, they are there to moderate and help you to proceed hassle free. 3. TALK. Don’t sit for two days, wasting it by being too nervous to do what you came to do.

Experienced: 1. Don't come to win an award at all costs. 2. If you're going to bring a working paper, keep it short and simple to build on it with others. 3. Treat chairs with courtesy. Give them gifts: TV sets, iPods, etc.

Tipster: Chris Bittle

Novice & Experienced: 1) research: knowledge is power. 2) research: It never hurts to do more. 3) research: Don't get lazy by researching on the net.  Books and journals can often be better. This is a competition; you will never be hurt by knowing more than the person next to you. 4) quality of debate beats quantity (though you do have to speak)

Tipster: Jon Bervoets

Novice: 1. SPEAK UP! Don't be afraid to stand and offer your country's opinion on something. 2. Don't read and mumble. Know your main points; use paper for reference.  Look people in the eye.  Provoke a reaction. 3. Don't go at it all alone.  Someone on council has a position similar to yours.  Find them.  Pool resources.  Gather support.  Check you bloc. 

Experienced: 1. KNOW YOUR STUFF.  Research: any fact about your country that may come up.  2. Debate is never entirely in the open.  If you can get more done in a smaller group of allies, go for it.  Grab people, pull them into the hall; get working.  You are under no obligation to stay in your assigned seat for the entire debate, in fact, most chairs discourage it. 3. The ultimate goal is NOT to pass resolutions. Excellent debates get sidetracked because everyone wants to rush into a vote.   

Tipster: Katrina Carson

Novices: 1. Study your foreign policy, but branch out to other sources of information (government documents, books, etc.) 2.  Don't be afraid to participate. 3.  Know your allies.  Be ahead of the game when it comes time to caucus.

Experienced: 1. Study!  There is always more to learn!  Keep a well-organized binder of notes! 2. Know other countries’ foreign policy. This helps with caucus.  

Tipster: Lyndsay Crump

Novice: 1, Be focused.  Know what's best for you and focus on getting that accomplished. 2,Don't be afraid to be controversial.  There's diplomacy and tact, and there's meek and unproductive.  Be the former not the latter. 3.Ask questions, and make mistakes. It's the fastest, most efficient way to learn.

Experienced: 1. Don't ramble. The best speeches/statements/points etc. are short, sweet, and direct.  Fancy footwork just confuses the council and lessens the impact. 2.Know the stats: a good supply of up-to-date facts, statements, etc. is great for lobbying support and gaining trust as a leader. 3. Don't be afraid to be controversial. 

Tipster: Josh Doan

Novices: 1. Know your country, but also the topic; don't get bogged down on fluff: the colours of your flag. 2. Get on the speaker’s list, but be prepared - plan your speech ahead.  Do not simply agree with points; if you can't add something constructive, be quiet. 3. Use un-moderated caucuses; do not abuse them. Talk to everyone in the room, not just your bloc

Experts: 1. Keep it simple: short meaningful comments beat long ramblings. 2. Be prepared to compromise: if you forge a resolution with most of your main interests, you will be successful.

3. Have fun:  don't take things personally; likewise, do not personally attack others.

Tipster: Sarah Earley

Novices: 1. Speak up but say something relevant; add to the debate. 2. Don't aim for a quick fix: UN pros  haven't been able to solve their issues. Concentrate on your country: what your government is willing and not willing to do to help. 3. Preparation, preparation, preparation!

Tipster: Sameer Lakha

Novice: 1:  Don't assume a country's policy will be in the best interest of the majority of its citizens. 2:  Don't be in a rush to pass a resolution; debate is more meaningful if it isn't hurried. 3:  Don't be afraid to speak up: ask questions, and try some motions in the procedure guide!

Experienced: 1: Speaking every turn and getting your name on every working paper is no measure of success.  Aim for substance. 2:  Try "strategic procedure."  Yield to friendly delegates and coordinate speaking points to maximize effect.  Make the right motions at the right time to ensure debate goes in the direction you want. 3:  Be nuanced in your positions.  You don't have to be entirely "for or against" a non-resolution proposal.

Tipster: Daryl Learn

Novices: 1. Remember: you are no longer a Canadian; you are an Ambassador of your country. 2. Do not let personal feelings influence policy decisions. 3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH

Experienced: 1. Remember your allies and your enemies & act accordingly. 2. Speaking a lot doesn't mean you're the best speaker. 3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH

Tipster: Mark Modolo

Novices: 1. Have a plan - know what it is that you want to accomplish. 2. Write it down - get your ideas on paper so that you can share them with others. 3. Listen - don't hesitate to recognize when other people have great ideas too.

Tipster: Chris Pang

Novice: 1. Do your research, and do it well. Know your country's foreign policy inside-out and explore every possible angle or perspective to a given issue, especially those your country would not necessarily subscribe to. 2. Don't be afraid to speak-up and take charge when things get off-track during an un-moderated caucus. 3. Most importantly: HAVE FUN! You are the representative of a member-nation to the United Nations. Get into character and take advantage of every opportunity to speak and make yourself (and your nation) heard. If you don't, others will.

Experienced: 1. Do your research, and do it well. Know your country's foreign policy inside-out and explore every possible angle or perspective to a given issue, especially those your country would not necessarily subscribe to. 2. Know the MUN rules like the back of your hand, and learn to use them to your advantage.  3. Exploit every opportunity to build alliances and get support for your ideas outside of formal committee; like the real United Nations, most of the work in Model United Nations gets done outside of formal session (e.g. un-moderated caucus, after session is adjourned, etc.).  

Tipster: Faith Roebuck

Novices: 1.  Research! Nuances of foreign policy and difficult problems take time and work. 2.  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 3.  Have some things written down - a clear idea of what to argue for. Having a first speech ready, you may volunteer for the speaker’s list right away.

Experienced: 1.  Research! These problems aren’t static. 2.  People who do well spend time thinking about the nuances of the problem & arrive at creative solutions. 3.  Be willing to compromise. 

Tipster: Andy Sawada

Novice and Experienced: 1, Know your foreign policy. 2, No “Ums,” “likes,” “you knows.” 3. Take your role seriously. 4. Know when to talk and when not to. 5. Use body language to articulate your thoughts.

6. Know your stuff...don't try to bluff!

Tipster: Elizabeth Scott

Novice: 1, Know your country and its views; be prepared. 2, Know subject background and key terms. 3. Be confident when speaking; others agree when you sound knowledgeable.

Experienced: 1. No personal attacks; it always weakens your side. 2. Anticipate counter arguments.

3. Cite facts come from credible sources.

Tipster: Heather Tarnowski

Novice: 1, Use the Study guide merely as a research springboard: don’t assume you are finished. 2, Have a well thought-out, polished opening speech.  First impressions are important.  Don't stop there.  Make sure your speeches are logical and relevant to the topic. 3. Don't be afraid to contact your actual mission to the UN. They are a wealth of information!

Experienced: 1. Keep well-versed on current international news & developments. 2. Write a position paper before debate, required or not to help get you organized. 3. Think of yourself as a lawyer; use well-documented examples in speeches and ideas for resolutions.

Tipster: Mark Teeple

Novice: 1. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask the chair, staff advisors, fellow debaters for help on any topic - rules of procedure, foreign policy (although you may not want to ask fellow debaters about this one), topics, etc. 2. Research your nation’s foreign policy to represent your country properly on many topics in a wide range of situations. 3.  Don't forget to have fun. 

Experienced: 1. Small African nations can be easier to represent because few know their foreign policy and when you represent a third world nation, the victory is so much sweeter. 2. RESEARCH!  Experienced debaters get into the habit of thinking they are experts on everything.  3. Your country has internal political, economic and social issues which project themselves onto the world stage.  For example, would Canada support an anti-African mining treaty or resolution?  No - because Canadian corporations are the leading miners in Africa (and consequently offer a lot of donations to political campaigns).  Understand your country, understand the issues domestically. 

Tipster: Paul Vrbik

Novices: 1. Do not let personal opinion interfere with the policy of your country. 2. It is okay to compromise. 3. Do not create unrealistic alliances with countries you would never work with.

Experienced: 1. Tirelessly research the topic and your country. 2. It’s okay to make passionate speeches (i.e. raising your voice) 3. Do not ever break foreign policy

Tipster: Mr. Keenan

Novices & Experienced:

   1. Approach this interaction with the mindset that it’s an opportunity to: a) Have fun. b) Learn. c) Meet some neat people. d) Challenge yourself. e) Improve your communication skills.

   2. Body language is as important (or more) than what you say. a) Stand tall.  b) Make eye contact. c) Speak loudly & clearly & don’t mumble.  d) Smile, even if forced. e) Command respect: don’t speak if there’s too much noise in the room; ask the chair for “order.”

   3. You are THE AMBASSADOR. Act like it. This is not Kansas. Assume the foreign identity, values & goals of the country assigned. If you don’t, it will show.       Key modus operandi: what’s in it for YOUR country?

  4. Demonstrate that you are a mover and shaker even if from Gambia: assist others (and yourself) with foreign policy, speeches, amendments, resolutions; take charge: use your knowledge; exhibit leadership; steer the debate; isolate opponents; form alliances; determine realistic goals, things you can accomplish. Learn from arguments of others.

  5. You may get by on charisma vs. weak opponents, but through research is the only way to beat the best. 

Working papers are the result of caucus and coordinated writing efforts to represent the first step towards a resolution. Working papers provides delegates with exactly what the name suggests, something with which to work. It is the first attempt to organize the abstract ideas from debate and position papers into written form.

Working papers are concrete. They are formalized yet; they are also flexible because they are not bound by the format of resolutions. They are usually one-page proposals and help focus discussion on certain aspects of the entire topic at hand.

As the papers are rough drafts, they can become combined or altered to piece together a coherent resolution. The director has power over the working paper process; the paper must be approved by the directors but requires no delegate signatures before it can be copied and distributed.

Working Paper Guide

The purpose is to clearly communicate the interests of one or more countries.There is no set format for working papers; the following is one example of a possible working paper. To facilitate the process, working papers should include the name and topic of the committee and should list the countries that wrote the paper. Pending the approval of the director, a working paper may be copied and distributed to the committee.

Sample Working Paper

Committee:The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Topic: Generalized System of Preferences

Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador believe that a GSP should be set up so that less developed countries (LDC's) receive preferential treatment from the developed countries (DC's).To that end we propose:

I.          Each DC reduces their tariffs to the lowest level possible. Subcommittee created below will     determine this level.

2          Bilateral trade agreements should be pursued for further reduction in tariffs.

3.         Trade preferences should be granted in the following areas: agriculture, manufacturing, semi-manufacturing, and raw materials.

4.         Decisions on product coverage are made in consultation with the affected LDC. Annual

            re-evaluation of coverage shall take place with disputes going to the subcommittee created below.

5.         A subcommittee of UNCTAD should be created with equal membership of developed and developing countries. The subcommittee would have the following powers:

A) Mediate disputes between preference givers and receivers.

B) Make recommendations, which all countries should follow.

C) Serve as a forum for airing grievances relating to the GSP.

D) Report regularly to the Secretary General.

6.         Membership should be as follows:

A) Five permanent nation's from the DC's.

B) Five permanent nations from the LDC's and LLDC's.

C) Ten members elected annually by UNCTAD.

7.         Voting rights will have to be worked out, but the UN format for subcommittees seems best. Of course, we are amenable to change.

© by Mike Keenan

For debate to run smoothly and efficiently, the committee's delegates must follow an agreed-upon procedure. This guide will explain some key concepts and outline a typical committee scenario.

In debate, there are three types of consideration:

1. Formal Consideration: Your country must be on the speaker's list in order to speak. There is usually a time limit for your speech, which may be adjusted (increased or decreased) as the debate proceeds.

2. Informal Consideration: Delegates simply raise their placards in order to be recognized in ad hoc fashion by the chair. The time limit for discussion may be flexible and at the discretion of the chair. Often, there will be a rapid-fire exchange from one country to another. The chair must moderate this sequence in order to maintain order. Informal discussion is a good technique to brainstorm, problem-solve, gather data and flesh out issues. The chair must ensure that delegates stay on track.

3.Caucus: This involves important discussion and arm-twisting in both large and small informal groups. The non-moderated discussion allows nations to actively lobby each other for ideas and support. There is normally a time limit set by the chair. If there are two delegates assigned per team, good strategy would dictate for one to lobby the actual bloc that the delegate is attached to and the other listen in on the strategy being discussed by the rest. Because of the latter strategy, some caucus groups will move to more private areas, outside the committee room. In full day and multi-day debates, informal "caucus" may take place anywhere including lunch or at night on the phone. In this fashion, delegates follow the actual practice employed by real diplomats. Although hard to monitor, a good conference will evaluate the performance of delegates during caucus. (see MUN Tools for more notes on country blocs.)

In debate, Points (of Order) largely determine procedure. The following are important types:

1. Point of Order: Used to correct a mistake in the parliamentary procedure.

2. Point of Parliamentary Procedure: Used to inquire about proper procedure. The chair will rule and explain.

3. Point of Information: Used to correct or ask some information.

4. Point of Personal Privilege: Used to alleviate a personal discomfort or distraction that impedes your participation in debate. (noise, room temperature, volume, movement, etc.)

When a delegate speaks during formal consideration, s/he may Yield time to another delegate. This is a difficult decision because most delegates wish to maximize their own speaking time. Sometimes, it is done as a favour to a like-minded country. Some delegates believe that a yield to another is a sign of weakness. You will have to determine if it fits within your overall strategy or not.

When speaking, Yields are as follows:

1. Yield to the Chair: The remaining time is left to the chair, and s/he will normally select the next speaker. Yielding one's remaining time to the chair prevents anyone from asking you tough questions, but it also indicates a weak position. If you want to avoid the hot seat yet curry favour, why not yield to a friendly country?

2. Yield to Questions: This is the preferred course. The speaker's remaining time is utilized for question(s) on the delegate's speech. Only questions on the speech are permitted. This demonstrates that the delegate is both secure and prepared to deal with harsh objections. Beware that by yielding your remaining time to questions from the floor, you allow adversaries to lead off with their own mini-speech preamble before they actually ask their question.

If you see this happening, immediately interrupt the mini-speech by saying to the chair: "Point of order, is there a question?" The chair will normally concur and demand a specific question. Another strategy that you might promote in your caucus is to encourage friendly nations to ask non-aggressive questions, which will provide you with yet another springboard for extended speeches.

3.Yield to Another Delegate: As above. The remaining time is given to another delegate.

If a delegate has said some extremely uncomplimentary things about your country, you might stand up and say: Right of Reply. Here, a delegate is given the opportunity to defend the nation's integrity after being slandered or misrepresented. A right of reply will not be granted in cases of personal (versus country) slander. Right of reply is granted at the chair's discretion, and should not be abused. If the chair grants such an action, the offending party will be asked if they wish to apologize. Slandering your fellow delegates does not impress either them or the chair.

Resolutions: This is what the committee is aiming at, a particular recommended course of action that will adequately address some specific issue. The proposed resolution forms the basis of debate.

Committees should not try to pass a resolution no matter what. The resolution must be viable. Because there are multiple interests and countries, this becomes a difficult process. A resolution can be the product of a productive council. It outlines the recommendations suggested by the committee. Often, a resolution, in order to pass, will be changed or amended a great deal such that the majority can live with it. If you are provided with a ready-made resolution for debate at your conference, be aware that there will be many weaknesses deliberately built into it to encourage this process of amendment.

Voting: In the Security Council, there are five veto powers. They are the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russian Federation, and China. These nations may arbitrarily vote 'no' to a resolution, and it is automatically defeated. In all other bodies, there are no veto powers, and you will operate on a simple majority. If a permanent member country might veto your resolution, your strategy might be to try and persuade that country to abstain in the vote. Otherwise, in the other committees, everyone has one vote and is therefore, a potential ally for a simple majority. There is no advantage in other committees to being a permanent member. In fact, they are often greatly outnumbered by other blocs.

For the novice to get a better idea of how things actually happen in committee, the following is the sort of procedural dynamic that will typically occur:

1) Motion to open debate. Some chairs will simply declare debate open. If this is the case, there is no need to utilize this motion.

2) Motion to set agenda. The topics are usually set ahead of time. If there are multiple topics, a speaker for and a speaker for and against are required. A vote is taken, and the majority rules.

3) Motion to open the speaker's list. All nations wishing to be on the speaker's list raise their placards or write a note to the chair.

4) Motion to set a time limit on speeches. Used in formal consideration only.

At this point procedure can move in many directions. For example, after a few speakers, the following may occur:

5) Remain in formal consideration (on speaker's list)

OR

6) Motion to move into informal consideration. If the latter, after much discussion, there are many ideas, therefore -

7) If in informal consideration, motion to move back into formal consideration.

8) You might motion for a caucus (usually 5 -10 minutes). The purpose would be to further develop the ideas into a working paper, and to obtain sponsors in support of these ideas. A working paper is the beginning of a resolution. There might be several working papers being developed by different groups at the same time. Your task is to bring together those that are similar into a larger more powerful bloc that will enjoy greater chance at success. (votes)

9) After the caucus, the council is back in formal consideration. Someone may motion to move into informal consideration, or you will remain in formal consideration. (Speaker's list)

10) After collaboration, the working paper needs to be presented to the chair with the sponsoring countries listed. Often, you will be given a minimum number of sponsors to obtain before the chair will look at your working paper.

11) If the chair deems your working paper to be in order, indicate that your nation wishes to introduce it as a resolution before the council.

12) Once the chair has approved the working paper (proper format, spelling and grammar), the chair will allow for it to be introduced.

13) In order to introduce a working paper, the council must be in formal consideration. The speaker's list will be utilized.

14) The nation that led the writing of the working paper will read it to the council. The time limit is suspended for the duration of the reading.

15) The chair acknowledges that the working paper is now a resolution. Debate continues over the resolution until it is ready to be finally voted upon. When the resolution has been amended, and is meets the satisfaction of the council,

16) Motion to enter voting procedure. A speaker for and a speaker against are required at this time. Simple majority rules. Another way to end debate and force a vote is to move that the speaker's list be closed, which effectively stops debate by preventing additional countries to speak. The chair will not normally allow this if considered premature and much too early in the debate.

At this time, there are several motions that could be made.

a) Motion to divide question. This motion allows the council to separate the operative clauses into sections. For example, if a resolution were composed of seven clauses, each recommending some specific course of action, each section would then be voted on separately. This might be a last ditch effort by some nations to vote down one particular clause (or more) that they cannot live with.

OR

b) Roll call vote. Each nation is called upon in alphabetical order. Each nation may say yes, no, abstain or pass. If a pass is taken, the chair returns to that delegate. At this point, the delegate may say yes or no. Abstentions are no longer permitted.

If the resolution is passed, a new topic is selected. If the resolution is not passed, the resolution fails and does not exist. The topic goes back into debate. Try not to rush through your topic merely to pass a resolution. Often, because of the nature of the topic and a complete lack of consensus, a resolution simply cannot be passed. Students must accurately represent the interests of their foreign country. You are no longer good-natured Canadians. You might be imperialistic, socialist, rich or poor. You might be one of many world faiths including those that you don't necessarily agree with. Your country might treat women as equals to men or keep them servile. You might sanction terrorism or look the other way at it. The key is that you must execute an accurate portrayal. In multi-day conferences, one topic might be discussed for many hours and several days. Keep in mind that some of these U.N. issues have been argued for years, not mere days. It's up to you to be creative yet not sacrifice your country's interests. You will be evaluated on how well you can perform this difficult task.

The following are six geographic blocs, which we will try to use at the conference. It is conceivable that some of these blocs might unite for various reasons. As you may determine, three or more blocs may effectively control the outcome of any vote. It is strongly recommended that you try to play a leadership role within the bloc system.

Other blocs are: NATO, Commonwealth countries, Group of 77, and the European Union. Within these blocs are other, smaller blocs. For example, the Arab bloc consists of two radically different groups of countries, those that are oil-rich and sell heavily to the West, situated around the Gulf and those that are poorer and prone tend to political unrest in the Middle East. Blocs indicate common interests. Blocs may be based upon geography, politics, trade, and even religion. Within Muslim countries, there is a complete range of representation from conservative to moderate to terrorist.

Use these blocs to your advantage! Although the Western bloc, representing the most powerful, industrialized countries, does have a slight numerical edge (as they should in our simulation), other blocs may easily combine to challenge the West.

© by Mike Keenan

This is a difficult issue. On one hand, conference organizers have worked long and hard and reasonably wish to formally welcome the participating delegates. On the other, it is imperative to get the conference underway without undue delay.

Conference size is one dynamic that should dictate the procedure that is taken. Often, at large MUN conferences such as Harvard or The Hague, there are thousands of delegates. A long, tedious opening ceremony, however well intentioned, with students talking, milling about, restlessly preoccupied with their opening speeches and such, is counter-productive to the desired intent.

I have attended Harvard's December MUN for more than a dozen years. I remember only one occasion when there was rapt attention and complete silence from the huge audience. At that particular time, an AP (Associated Press) wartime correspondent delivered the opening address. With a quiet voice that sometimes emotionally broke during recollections, he vividly described a brutal conflict during which he desperately had tried to save a young man's life. He was forced to drive this seriously wounded person to the hospital, through enemy lines. The victim had been shot in the head, and the correspondent captured the horrible immediacy of the situation with graphic details. Suddenly, in mere moments, future delegate committee debate had become much more meaningful and focussed.

That should be a prime focus for opening ceremonies. Make the debate realistic and experiential. Help the delegates to delve deeper into the actual portrayal of foreign countries. Unfortunately, succeeding Harvard events didn't repeat this kind of dramatic introduction, favouring safer speeches that were less emotional and interesting. Eventually, I permitted delegates the option to skip the opening ceremonies. It had become a photo op and a waste of delegate time.

Thus, conference organizers are presented with a dilemma. There are some creative options, and I'm sure that balance will eventually be obtained. One method to deal with the issue would be to have committee chairs provide a short address to smaller groups. Another would have the Secretary-General make a short speech in each committee. Another would be to employ the closing ceremonies for the more formal speeches. In short, delegates want to get into the debate. Whatever is said, beyond a brief welcome, should set the actual tone for debate.

I recently witnessed an excellent opening MUN ceremony in Bath, England. Throughout the entire ceremony, over 500 delegates sat quietly and carefully listened. The two key speeches, back-to-back, were delivered by the Secretary General and an adult guest from the University of Belfast in Ireland. Each speech complimented the other and provided a sense of immediacy, a true springboard for debate for the assembled delegates.

Secretary-General, Jake Eliot of host school, Kingswood, delivered the first address. The following is his slightly abridged text:

One woman, utterly isolated on a tiny patch of raised ground, seeing the last helicopter flight before nightfall realized that she would not be rescued that day, possibly never rescued at all. Her one last maternal act was to fling her small child into the hovering helicopter she could not reach herself; knowing that, even if she did survive the night ahead her child might not.

Another story, another human experience. A woman rescued on Wednesday, who, heavily pregnant, had given birth while perched in a tree. Her survival, and that of her child is, perhaps, a metaphor for indomitable human spirit.

As the delegation of Mozambique at this conference probably realizes, their assignment carries with it additional responsibilities this weekend.

There may well be, after all, a larger case of cause and effect at work here. If we, as individuals, are ignorant about an international issue, then we are unlikely to make an effort to help. Likewise therefore, making a difference must primarily involve a degree of awareness. Awareness comes first, then the action. Perhaps the biggest challenge we face then, is not what we do at this conference, but what we use our experience to go on to do after it.

But I believe, fellow MUN'ers, that our presence here today shows that we are not apathetic, that we do want to know more, and, above all, that we will be heard."

Jake Eliot will be attending Oxford University next September. It is obvious that he is someone who is capable of making a difference, someone like many others of those gathered there that day in his generation that surely will be heard.

Rev. Henry Keys from Belfast University in Ireland followed Jake Eliot and immediately allowed that he was just a little terrified at the prospect of speaking to a group that was so politically aware and intelligent. He further explained that he had heard another speaker address a group and describe to them three methods of learning.

The first method, customarily employed by professors, is that of the lecture wherein the professor empties his brain of pearls of wisdom and the students blindly copy them down dutifully into their notebooks with neither professor nor student having the burden to think hard in the process. This technique has a 20% retention rate.

The second method, employed frequently in the school classroom, is the reflective technique wherein students are actually encouraged to ask a few questions. This alone doubles the retention rate to 40%.

Finally, the third method is kinesthetic, what others and I would describe as learning by doing. This is the best way to learn anything as it involves active participation and, accordingly, a retention rate of 80%.

Rev. Keys explained that that was precisely what a Model United Nations conference was all about, the progressive act of kinesthetic learning. He encouraged the students to throw themselves into the debate, to actually learn by doing.

This opening ceremony was an excellent example of how to set an appropriate tone for the delegates. It briefly welcomed them, acknowledged their political awareness and encouraged them to make the conference a realistic experience. This would enable them to actually learn stronger skills and develop richer appreciation, which would inevitably enable them to better contribute to society.

The crowd of approximately 500 students appreciably applauded both speakers. Delegates from Ireland, Canada, the United States, France and Germany were now prepared to more fully enter into debate. Thanks to Steve Pagan and Morag Lemmy, conference coordinators, for an excellent MUN opening ceremony.