Handling Difficult Delegates

Every conference has at least one delegate who makes committee harder. Knowing the common types helps you respond strategically rather than emotionally.

The Dominator — Speaks in every mod, interrupts during unmods, tries to control every working paper. Their goal is visibility; their weakness is that they alienate potential allies.

The Blocker — Opposes everything, nitpicks language, stalls progress. Sometimes this is strategic (their country genuinely opposes the direction); sometimes it's ego.

The Ghost — Does no research, gives vague speeches, contributes nothing in unmods. Not difficult in an aggressive sense, but a dead weight if they're in your bloc.

The Rule Lawyer — Raises constant points of order, challenges procedure, slows everything down. They know the rules but lack diplomatic instinct.

How to Respond

To the Dominator: Don't compete for airtime — you'll look petty. Instead, build a stronger coalition quietly. Let them dominate speeches while you dominate unmods. In your speeches, credit your allies — this contrasts with the Dominator's self-focus and chairs notice the difference.

To the Blocker: If they have legitimate concerns, address them — sometimes the blocker is right and everyone else is rushing. If they're just obstructing, isolate them. Build enough support to pass your resolution without them and move on. Don't waste time trying to convince someone who doesn't want to be convinced.

To the Ghost: If they're in your bloc, give them a small, specific task — 'Can you draft one operative clause on education funding?' This keeps them contributing without relying on them for anything critical.

To the Rule Lawyer: Let the chair handle them. If they challenge your motion, calmly explain your reasoning and defer to the chair's ruling. Engaging in procedural arguments makes you both look bad.