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The behavioral conventions delegates follow during Model UN formal debate, including third-person speech, addressing the chair, and refraining from disruptive conduct.
Floor etiquette refers to the unwritten and chair-enforced behavioral norms that delegates are expected to follow while a Model UN committee is in formal or moderated session. While specific rules vary by conference (THIMUN, NMUN, Harvard WorldMUN, and university-circuit conferences each maintain slightly different conventions), the underlying expectations are remarkably consistent across the circuit.
Core elements typically include:
Breaches of floor etiquette can result in a chair's verbal warning, a point of personal privilege raised by another delegate, or, in serious cases, loss of speaking time or removal from awards consideration. Many conferences explicitly list etiquette criteria in their rubrics alongside substantive policy and diplomacy scores.
Floor etiquette is distinct from the formal rules of procedure (Robert's Rules-derived or THIMUN-style): procedure governs what may happen, while etiquette governs how delegates conduct themselves while it happens. Strong etiquette signals diplomatic maturity and is frequently cited by chairs as a tiebreaker between otherwise comparable delegates during awards deliberation.
No. Rules of procedure govern what motions and actions are permitted in committee; floor etiquette governs delegates' personal conduct, tone, and decorum while those procedures play out.
Yes. Most chairs weigh decorum and professionalism alongside substance and diplomacy, and breaches such as interrupting speakers or addressing delegates directly can cost a delegate consideration for awards.
Raise a point of personal privilege if the breach affects your ability to participate (for example, inaudibility or disruption). The chair will then rule on the point.