OPENING SPEECHES

Opening Speech: what is it?  Beginning of formal debate (Speaker’s List)  A summary of your position paper!  Your country’s basic position on the topic and possible ideas for resolutions

Opening Speeches: details  90 seconds long!  Clear, concise, formal language

“Thank you honorable Chair, The country of _____________ feels the issue of _________________ is….”  Explain why it is important to the United Nations  Explain why it is important to your country  Talk about statistics that illustrate the problem in your country “This committee should understand that due to these problems….”  Explain the effects of the problem on your country “The government of ____________ has been trying to deal with the issue of __________ by…”  Talk about actions your country has taken on a national level to address the problem  Talk about actions your country has taken on an international level “The country of ____________ encourages the committee to:” List your recommendations for the committee, which will be what you want to see in the resolutions at the end of the debate. “In conclusion, the country of __________ believes that:”  Summarize your previous statements. “Thank you for your time.” or “Thank you honorable Chair.”

Public Speaking Tips  Prepare: write your speech ahead of time  Practice: to your teacher, friends, mom, dog…  Take and give constructive feedback!  Eliminate “filler” words  NO “uhh, like, ums, como, pues…”  Consider your audience  Remember who your audience is: the dais and other delegates at the conference  Captivate your audience; make them want to hear more  Use meaningful pauses—this can be a powerful tool!  Pace yourself (not too fast, not too slow) and BREATHE

Sample Speech: Listen and read along 

Your turn!  Using your position paper, the outline on the handout and your brains, WRITE YOUR OPENING SPEECH.  Next class, I will randomly select some groups to read their opening speeches. Then, I will collect all of the speeches and grade them.

Homework  If you didn’t finish it in class, finish your opening speech by next class.  Type your opening speech to hand in next class (SAVE IT on your computer!).  Practice your opening speech.