MUN or Model United Nations helps students to learn about diplomacy, international relationships, and the United Nations. It is a great way for students to learn to deliver speeches and research about the policies and political agendas of different countries and the effects of it in the countries or the effect of it on an international level. The key component of MUN is how to deliver the speeches for the General Speaker List or GSL. A well-researched, well-crafted, and highly effective GSL can set the tone for the country’s stance and the influence and effect which can decide the flow of the debate. At Delhi Public School (DPS) Warangal, known as the CBSE boarding and day school in Warangal, Telangana, students are encouraged to participate in MUN events, honing their diplomatic skills and public speaking abilities. The school provides a supportive environment for students to engage in global discussions and develop a deeper understanding of international affairs.
Step-by-step guide to help you to write a well-compulsed GSL speech for MUN
Step 1: Understand the role of a GSL speech
The GSL speech is the first delivered by a delegate in a MUN conference. It will introduce the country’s position on the discussed topic and its agenda and open up the stage for further discussion. This speech takes a minute, so being clear and concise about the topic is highly necessary.
Step 2: Research thoroughly
To start writing, a well-informed document should be ready at hand with clear statements about the country’s position.
- Know your country:
Understanding the country’s history, culture, and political stance as well as allies and adversaries are the most important aspects of this topic.
- Understand the topic:
Thoroughly researching the topic and reading UN resolutions, reports and other relevant articles, journals and documents will help to grasp the issue.
- Current events:
Staying updated about current events and related topics will add more relevance to the speech.
- National policies:
Identifying the country’s policies and previous actions on certain topics will help to craft a realistic and authentic speech.
Step 3: Structure your speech
The well-structured speech is easier to follow and becomes more persuasive.
Introduction:
- Greeting the chairs, esteemed guests, fellow delegates and the audience is the first step in introducing the speech.
- The next step is to introduce the country.
- It is important to present the discussed issue from the supporting country’s perspective.
- Highlighting the country’s stance and main arguments related to it.
- Mentioning past actions taken from the country’s side on the discussed field will be worthy.
- In the end, summarising the main points without losing any elements will be the best way to draw a conclusion for the introduction.
- Proposing a call to action as the solution will be beneficial for having a discussion on the topic.
- In the end, having a strong closing statement with a determined stance about the discussed idea will be best for the introduction.
- Example – Honourable Chair, esteemed delegates, and distinguished guests, as the representative of India, I am honoured to address this assembly on the critical issue of [Topic].
Body:
- The body of the speech will contain the details of the country’s perspective and valid arguments in detail.
- The speech will be widely accepted if it has clarity. The speech should be clear and concise. It will be a big mistake to add jargon and complex sentences, which are hard to understand.
- Using evidence, facts, statistics, and historical examples to support the mentioned points will be helpful as it will add credibility to the speech.
- The relevance matters the most as it ensures the points which are mentioned are directly related to the topic and explain the country’s stance point.
- Example – India believes that the ongoing issue of [Topic] poses a significant threat to global stability. Our nation has consistently advocated for [Policy/Action], as demonstrated by our involvement in [Event/Initiative]. We urge the international community to consider [Solution] as a viable path forward.
Conclusion:
- The conclusion is the summarized version of the speech as it sums up the main points and arguments to create a lasting impression.
- Example – In conclusion, India stands firm in its belief that addressing [Topic] requires immediate and collective action. We call upon all member states to join us in [Proposed Solution]. Together, we can create a safer, more prosperous future for all.
Step 4: Edit and refine
The speech should be polished, clear, concise and error-free. So, editing is crucial for refining the speech.
- Read aloud:
Reading the speech aloud will help to identify the issue with awkward phrasing and pacing.
- Simplify:
The best way to reach out to a huge audience is to avoid unnecessary complex sentences. The editing will help to make the language easier to understand.
- Check grammar:
Checking proper grammar, punctuation and spelling to help deliver the correct words needs editing and refining.
- Get feedback:
Getting feedback about the speech before delivering it is useful. A teacher, mentor or even a fellow delegate can help to review the speech and give feedback about it.
Step 5: Practice delivery
The speech needs to be delivered in front of lots of people. So, practising the speech is vital. The writing of a great speech is just half a battle but delivering it needs courage and lots of practice.
- Voice:
The important aspect of delivering a speech is to have a well-maintained voice, tone and pace. The well-checked voice will help to emphasise the key points of the information.
- Body language:
Maintaining better body language, good posture, eye contact and well-used friendly hand gestures will reinforce the message.
- Confidence:
A well-practised content will give the speaker confidence. Practice indeed makes a speech perfect. Confidence will significantly enhance the delivery of the speech.
- Timing:
Adjusting the time is necessary. The speech should fit within the allotted time for having an impact which will give time to have a discussion on the topic. It needs practice to adjust the time.
Step 6: Prepare for Q&A
- After the speech, the forum will be open for questions and answers where other delegates will question the speaker on the topic. Being ready with the answers without any hesitation will showcase the groundwork of the speaker.
- Thinking about the possible questions coming from the speech and the research and preparing it with the answer will help to be clear with the topic.
Step 7: Conclusion
Writing a speech can be a daunting task but with proper research, clear structure and good practice anyone can do this task and deliver a compelling and impactful speech. It is important to stay true to the country’s position by proposing practical solutions which will engage the audience from start to finish.
An effective GSL speech at the Model UN conference would require sound research, clear structure, and forceful delivery. Knowing the position of the country, research on the topic, structuring the speech in a broad introduction, body, and conclusion will allow delegates to effectively present the views that they have. Good practice in delivery, good body language, and being prepared for Q&A sessions really help to give an impression. Finally, the aim is to intrigue the audience with well-thought-of solutions and an impassioned commitment to issues that ravage the world so that one can be assured of a productive and diplomatic debate in MUN conferences.