Opening+Speeches


 * Opening Speech **

In order to give everybody the chance to explain the position of their countries, opening speeches of around 1-1.5 minutes are given by willing delegates. Opening speeches are not obligatory in every MUN conference, but in general, the first speech given by any delegate is more or less in the form of an opening speech. Use the full name of your country. (if possible, use your assigned country's official language) · Use key words and expressions to focus the audience's attention. · Be as polite as the foreign policy of your country dictates. (no more, no less) · Know and recall your allies well, they will most probably support you in the committee sessions. · Put the emphasis on the issues which particularly concern the interests of your assigned country, and give hints on possible solutions. · Take your time and speak clearly. If you feel that it is too short, it is fine. Do not get yourself cut out by the Chair during your conclusion. Remember, an opening speech is better when it is short, yet effective. · The more interesting your speech, the more "rights of reply" it will generate, and the more likely you will be remembered throughout the session. (an enviable position in diplomacy)

Every speech should, of course, be preceded by a formal greeting e.g. "Madame President, Honored Delegates..." and should finish with a phrase such as "Thank you Madame President!" Delegates should avoid making such introductions and conclusions too long, however, since they only have one minute to speak and the Assembly will soon become bored with long, flowery introductions. The design of the speech should be content-based as well as dramatic in tone. The participants at the conference will respond to a speech that is both informative and emphatic. A primary purpose of the opening speech is to allow a delegation to communicate what it perceives to be an important message for the world community. Remember the audience should always be considered when making a speech. Be aware of the audience and their diversity. The beginning of the speech must captivate the audience and motivate them to want to hear more. Create the speech to meet the level of the audience (grade 8 to 12) It must pertain to audiences' interests.
 * DELIVERING THE SPEECH **

// It is also important to consider engaging the audience when forming and delivering a speech. //
 * // These six "C's" are necessary and should be included in the research, writing, and delivery of the speech. //**
 * Confidence: ** Confidence is portrayed by being as knowledgeable as possible on your subject and conveying this knowledge through the power of your voice and eyes. As a Model U.N. delegate, you are the authority and representative of your respective country. Research well and speak as if you know you are undoubtedly right. As the speaker, you must have confidence in yourself; otherwise the audience will have little confidence in you.
 * Clear: ** A speaker can do many things beforehand to assist them in speaking clearly. Write an outline of the topics that are going to be said, and follow it when speaking. Always speak slowly. This will allow the audience to hear everything that is said. Know your terminology well beforehand to avoid fumbling with words. Try to enunciate words properly, considering the diversity of the audience. English might not be their first language.
 * Concise: ** A good public speaker presents his/her points in a clean and clear-cut fashion. Unnecessary words and information should not be used to fill in the speech. The speech should be brief and to the point--say what you have to say and open the floor to questions. Do not ramble on about the topic in order to appear knowledgeable.
 * Constructive: ** An effective public speech needs to be constructed properly. Start with a solid foundation that brings together all of your ideas, present your points, and then connect them by reviewing what was said. There should be an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. It is a known fact that three is a magic number. Say it once, say it and review it, then say it again. This method will help the audience to remember what was said.
 * "Con Passion": ** It is always important to speak from the heart--with passion--hence the Spanish term "con passion". Always maintain eye contact with the audience. In doing so the audience will feel connected to you and your speech. This is what you want. You want to grab and to hold the audience's attention.
 * Critique: ** It is better to critique than to criticize. Critiquing is constructive and allows for people to grow and improve. Criticizing brings peoples' motivation and confidence down. A critique should be accepted positively, since it is a tool that is used to strengthen one's public speaking.

=** Sample Opening Speeches **=

Country: East Timor Delegate: John Henry Issue: Issue of self-determination for ethnic minority groups Honorable chairperson and fellow delegates, East Timor is more than honored to attend this meeting. Today, it is clear that claims to the right of self-determination are not abating; many afflicted minority groups claim that such right has been breached by the nation states from which they are bound to. Only in this recent decade has East Timor successfully achieved independence from Indonesia, and fully aware of the agony and pain of such cases, it passionately supports the autonomic rights of ethnic minority groups. It would like to resolve this issue by recommending a separate committee that would create specific guidelines required for the process of self-determination. East Timor realizes that it is essential for the international community to develop more efficient ways of addressing these demands that avoid destructive, unnecessary conflict and violence. Thank you.

Forum of: ECOSOC Question of: Lessening the Digital Divide between MDCs and LDCs Delegation: Sudan; Delegate: Caitlin Frost School: SAS Pudong

Honorable chair, fellow delegates and distinguished guests: The delegation of Sudan realizes the importance of a world without a digital divide between MDCs and LDCs, genetic privacy and nondiscrimination, as well as resolution on the issues between Israel and Palestine. However the delegate of Sudan wishes to especially focus on digital access among all countries, for all people. The digital divide between MDCs and LDCs is something that needs to be bridged in order to help lower the rates of poverty worldwide and give many LDCs a better economy. As an LDC, Sudan is affected by this issue because of its lack of up to date digital access. The delegate of Sudan believes that a possible solution to the bridging of the digital divide is assistance from MDCs to LDCs in the form of programs, donations, and training. The delegate of Sudan looks forward to hearing and debating other delegations’ opinions on this and other issues.

 Forum of: ECOSOC 1  Questioning of: The question of debt-relief for Madagascar  Delegation: Madagascar  Delegate: Brittany Z.  School: SAS Pudong

 Honorable chair and fellow delegates,  The country Madagascar recognizes the importance of stopping the exploitation of African resources by non-African countries, bringing a halt to human trafficking, and alleviating the socio-economic difficulties encountered in areas of endemic cholera. However the delegate of Madagascar would like to focus on debt-relief for Madagascar.

 It is extremely clear to our country that we must receive debt-relief soon. Without it, it is possible that Madagascar will fall apart completely. There is a chance that Madagascar might be able to revive itself, but a lot of money will be needed to recover Madagascar from its economic downfall and its current political crisis.  We hope that we can find a solution to Madagascar’s’ problems and secure aid for our country at this conference.  The delegate of Madagascar is looking forward to hearing and debating on this and other issues. Thank you.