Mastering Arguments and Speeches in Model UN

Your opening speech is your first chance to make an impression. It's where you establish credibility, capture attention, and introduce your country’s stance. To ensure a strong opening speech:

1. Start with      Impact – Use a quote, statistic, or rhetorical question to      grab attention.
2. Clearly      State Your Position – Summarize your nation’s      perspective and key priorities.
3. Present a      Call to Action – End with a strong statement that encourages      debate and collaboration.

Example: "Honorable Chair, esteemed delegates, climate change is not a future crisis; it is a present reality. The Republic of Kenya stands firm in advocating for immediate, binding environmental agreements to protect the livelihoods of millions. We urge this committee to prioritize action over hesitation."

Tips for a Memorable Opening Speech:

• Speak with      confidence and clarity.
• Maintain      eye contact with delegates.
• Use pauses      effectively to emphasize key points.

Once the debate on resolutions begins, you must navigate through moderated caucuses, amendments, and negotiations. The key to success? Strategic argumentation.

The SEEC Method for Structuring Arguments

• Statement: Present      your claim.
• Explanation: Justify      why your statement is valid.
• Example: Provide      real-world evidence.
• Conclusion: Reinforce      your argument.

Example: Statement: "Economic sanctions are ineffective in resolving conflicts." Explanation: "Sanctions often harm civilians more than governments." Example: "The embargo on Cuba has persisted for decades without significant political change." Conclusion:"Diplomatic negotiations should be prioritized over sanctions."

Key Strategies for Resolution Debates

• Rebut      Strategically – Address flaws in opposing arguments calmly.
• Use      Persuasive Language – Employ ethos      (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic).
• Engage in      Negotiation – Find common ground to gain allies.

  1. The Art of Rebuttal

• Frame      Questions to Discredit Opponents – “How does your      proposal align with Resolution 1234, which your country previously      supported?”
• Logical Breakdown –      Identify contradictions in your opponent’s argument.
• Use the      ‘Agree and Refute’ Technique – Start by acknowledging a      valid point, then dismantle their argument with stronger evidence.

2. Emotional Intelligence in Debate

• Remain      calm under pressure.
• Build      rapport with other delegates to encourage cooperation.
• Use      storytelling to evoke emotion and strengthen your case.

3. Quick Thinking and Adaptability

• Track the      debate’s flow and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Use      pivoting techniques to redirect criticism into an opportunity.
• Improvise      when necessary but remain aligned with your country’s stance.

 For more insights into advanced debating techniques, visit our Delegate Guide