How to make an opening speech

Giving good speeches is a key skill at Model UN events. Speeches are the most important way of convincing members of your committee to support your points of view and proposed solutions.

Those who speak frequently and articulately are most likely to steer the course of discussions in their favour. Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can work against you.

The most important thing is to seek and grab opportunities for speaking. As a beginner make a greater number of small and successful speeches. Remember that practice makes perfect, and this experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.

The following speech frame will help you to write your speech. The left hand column helps you to think about what to say, and the right hand column gives some key words and phrases.

Describe your country. Location, poor or rich, special concerns or circumstances (e.g. ongoing civil war, drought, member of the EU)

Think of something unique. Include one or two interesting facts about your country, things that make it unique

What problems are faced by your people? Hunger, unclean water, disease, global warming, refugees, aggressive neighbours, conflicts

What help, if any, do you need from the rest of the world? Financial aid, increased trade, expertise, advice, removal of debt

Why is this topic important to your country? Destabilises region, is a cause of poverty, kills lots of people in your country, violates principles that your country thinks are important

What do you think should be the first step to ‘solving’ the problem presented by the topic?Choose something that addresses the reasons why this topic is important to your country

What solutions can you propose? Be creative!

http://www.una.org.uk/content/how-make-opening-speech