Model United Nations Research Diagram

Courtesy of Jeremiah Thompson, Clark College MUN Instructor

A. Your Committee Backgrounder

            1. Scan the text for sources, facts, and statistics on each topic

2. Check the foot notes for Organizations, Resolutions, Treaties, NGO and IGO actions, and Speeches on each topic

                        I. Use these sources as a springboard of information to find more relevant facts

                        II. Look for how this topic relates to your country

3.  Seek a “strong understanding,” of the topic so you can approach the topic from multiple angles

     B. Focus on Your Country

            1. CIA Fact book

            2. Foreign Economic ties (Balance of funds)

            3. Foreign Political ties

            4. Country track record on the topic, if none then finding a support network

            5. Demographics/Geographical barriers

            6. Your Stance on the Issue, 

            7. Speeches that your countries leaders have given on the issue

            8. The Culture of your country (Song, Dance, Sport, Art, Dress, ect) \

     C. Your Neighbouring countries

            1. CIA Fact book

            2. Foreign Economic ties

            3. Foreign Political ties

            4. Their Stance on the Issue, 

     D. Mental Map with 4 quadrants over each sub point in A, B, C

            1.  Numbers and statistics

            2. Policies

            3. Speeches

            4. Cause/Solutions

Model United Nations Effective Speaking

How to make an opening speech

·       First, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable Chair/ President…"

·       Then begin by providing a brief history on the issue as it relates to your country.

·       Speak about how the issue is currently affecting your country.

·       Provide your country's position on the issue. Include an explanation for your country’s stance, such as economic or security concerns or political or religious ideology.

·       You may choose to give an explanation of how your country's position relates to the positions of other member states such as the major powers or countries in your regional bloc.

·       You should discuss some of the past actions taken by the UN, member states and NGOs to address the issue.

·       Present ideas for a resolution, stressing your country’s objectives for the resolution.

·       Talk about the role that NGOs or regional organizations have to play in addressing the issue.

·       Indicate to the committee members whether your country is willing to negotiate.

How to make speech during debate

·       Again, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable Chair/ President…"

·       Encourage collaboration among member states by proposing ways that your country would be willing to work with other member states.

·       By referencing what other delegates have said, you can show support for your allies or indicate which proposals your country does not favor.

·       Present ideas for draft resolutions.

·       Explain why your country does or does not support other draft resolutions.