Format of MUN simulations

The main way to speak is to get hold of the floor. The easiest way to do this is by proposing a resolution on an issue that is on the agenda. You ask the chairperson for permission to present your resolution. (For the purposes of Bristol MUNs this will be done at least five days prior to the actual meeting the resolution is to be presented.) You are then given time to read out your resolution and after that you are given time to speak in favour of it. During this time you can open yourself to points of information.

A point of information has to be addressed as a question towards the speaker on the floor based on the debate. You usually do this by raising your hand or placard and wait for the chairperson to recognize you. You can use a point of information to support the speaker's argument by bringing out a point that helps the speaker. For example, if a person was speaking in favour of the North Sea resolution you could say "Don't you think that it would be beneficial to the countries in the North Sea to protect their sea life?" A speaker can choose to ignore a point of information but if it is a good point that brings out a flaw in his/her argument it will usually look bad for the speaker.

There are other things a speaker can do while having the floor. As speaker, you can yield your speaking time to another delegate to speak on behalf of your resolution or you can yield it to the chair who can open it to the assembly (i.e. ask if anyone wants the floor).

After time for speaking in favour of the resolution has expired, then debate time for speaking against the resolution occurs. This starts with the chair opening the floor to the assembly and whoever wants to speak against the resolution can do so. Note that if the chairperson feels that the speaker is not speaking against the resolution then the speaker can be removed.

The above, in essence, is what happens in a simulation. A resolution is brought up, debated and then voted upon.

1. Point of Personal Privilege - Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort (eg. can't hear) which impairs his/her ability to participate in debate, he/she may rise on a point of personal privilege to request that the situation be remedied. This is the only point which may interrupt a speaker.
2. Point of Order - If a speaker has said something factually incorrect/derogatory or in non-parliamentary language or has broken procedure then another delegate can call point of order at the end of the speech. The Chair can ask the delegate to rise and state the point or say not in order at this time. After the point is made, the Chair will say whether the point is valid or not and may ask the speaker to apologize.
3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry - Only when the floor is open can a delegate ask a question regarding rules of procedure.
4. Right of Reply - To be used by a delegate whose national integrity has been impugned by another delegate. A right of reply by the latter delegate to a right of reply is out of order. It overrules all other points made.
5. Yields - A delegate may not yield on a procedural matter. They may yield on a substantive matter in 3 ways.
   1. Yield to questions: A delegate may yield to points of information (see above definition) which other delegates may have in regards to a speech just made.
   2. Yield to the Chair: When such a yield is made, there are no questions or comments on the delegate's speech.
   3. Yield to another delegate: The delegate transfers all the remaining amount of their time to another delegate. Once the second delegate has finished or the remaining time has elapsed, the floor is automatically returned to the Chair.
6. Comments - If after a substantive speech, the delegate does not yield, the Chair may recognize delegates to comment on the specific content of the speech just completed. Commentators may not yield.
7. Closure of Debate - When the floor is open, a delegate may move to close debate on a substantive matter being discussed. If the point is recognized, two speakers against closure of debate shall be recognized. To pass, closure of debate requires a two-thirds majority. If the motion passes, the resolution or amendment shall be immediately voted upon.

Right now look forward to your first simulation. You can have a look at the resolution announced for the meeting - think of some arguments, even do some research to back up your arguments - or you can just show up and have some fun. Even if you have not done any research I assume you know enough about current affairs to contribute to the debate! Regardless, you will still have a good time as long as you come with an open mind!

This site is maintained by Frank Hammerschmidt