Formal Debate and Speeches

In MUN, you'll give two types of speeches:

General speakers list speeches — You sign up for a list and speak in order. Usually 60-90 seconds. This is where you lay out your country's overall position.

Moderated caucus speeches — Someone proposes a focused topic ("Let's discuss climate financing mechanisms for 10 minutes with 1-minute speaking time"). You raise your placard to be called on. These are shorter and more targeted.

Both matter. Your opening speech sets perceptions. Your moderated caucus speeches show depth.

The 4-Part Speech Framework

Every MUN speech should follow this structure:

1. Address the Chair (5 seconds)

"Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates..."

2. State Your Position (15 seconds)

One clear sentence: what does your country think about this issue?

3. Support with Evidence (40-50 seconds)

2-3 specific points. Cite resolutions, statistics, treaties. Be concrete.

4. Call to Action (10-15 seconds)

What do you want the committee to do? Invite collaboration.

Total: ~90 seconds. That's it. Anything longer and you lose the room.

Example: Brazil on Climate Change

"Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates,

The delegation of Brazil recognizes that climate change is not a future threat — it is a present reality affecting millions of our citizens today.

As the guardian of 60% of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has taken concrete steps: we reduced deforestation by 34% between 2023 and 2025 under our national reforestation initiative. However, protecting the world's largest carbon sink cannot be Brazil's burden alone.

We call on this committee to prioritize three things: first, binding climate financing commitments from developed nations under the Paris Agreement's Article 9; second, technology transfer mechanisms for sustainable agriculture; and third, recognition that historical emitters bear proportional responsibility.

Brazil stands ready to work with all delegations committed to a just transition. Thank you."

Notice: specific evidence (34% reduction), specific asks (Article 9, tech transfer), and an invitation to collaborate.