Public speaking

Addressing a large AMUNC committee can be a challenging experience. Here are some suggestions to help develop basic public speaking skills.

Preparation

Get to know the key facts of the topics and research your country’s position on the topics. Understanding the topics will help you to make a better contribution to debate.

It is sometimes a good idea to write a policy paper or resolution, even if not required for a particular conference to help focus on the key ideas. It also gives the chance to articulate ideas that can be used as 'sound bites' during speeches.

You may also want to write a full speech or perhaps dot points to help you make your argument. Another important part of preparation is to make sure you read and understand the Rules of Procedure.

Participation

Participate at the level that you feel comfortable with, but make sure you challenge yourself. Some delegates might prefer to ask short points of information rather than deliver long speeches, others may prefer to draft resolutions, policy statements or amendments. Your AMUNC experience will help you gain confidence in public speaking and most importantly it is about having fun. Enjoy it!

Here are some recommendations to help with research for committee topics and speeches:

1. Read actual speeches and resolutions of the UN general assemblies:

The best advice on content is to read speeches that are delivered by Heads of Government and diplomats to the United Nations.

Notice how they structure their contributions around two or three key points and what information they choose to include.

Remember that genuine UN speeches are likely to be considerably longer than speeches for AMUNC due to time constraints. AMUNCS speeches rarely extend beyond five minutes and are normally around one or two minutes in length.

2. Change content to meet the flow of debate

As there is normally considerable time between requesting the floor and being recognised by the chair, debate is likely to have moved on in the intervening period. Make sure that the speech acknowledges the flow of the debate, is relevant to the discussion, and does not follow unnecessary tangents.


3. Do not repeat the ideas expressed by other delegates

It is imperative not to repeat ideas that have already been expressed by other delegates. It is better to acknowledge your agreement of their point of view and then to further build on the ideas.

4. Focus on two or three key point

A speech should be based on two or three central points to maintain clarity of argument. One of the more challenging skills of AMUNC will be to keep to the allocated speaking time. Remember that your time will be limited to only a few minutes, your committee director will most likely interrupt you if the time is exceeded, so be precise and to the point!