Scholars of Speech May Meet
2024 — Irvine, CA/US
How to Judge Model United Nations
1) The judge welcomes the contestants.
2) The judge states that a draft of a working paper is due by 30 minutes before the end of the session.
3) The judge introduces the topic (assigned by the competition in advance).
4) The judge lists each country alphabetically (assigned by the competition in advance) and gives the delegates time to respond if their country is present (can abstain) or present and voting (cannot abstain).
5) The judge asks delegates to raise their country's placard to be introduced to the list of speakers. Speakers are allowed to speak for up to two minutes, representing their country's interests.
6) The delegates deliver opening statements on their country's behalf.
7) Points or Motions: You may take points or motions from the delegates at your discretion. Usually, after every 3-5 speakers, you hear 2-3 motions and present them to the body as they were received. A simple majority will win, and if all motions fail, you return to the speakers’ list.
Point of Order - these are used to correct a procedural error. E.g. The chair forgot Roll Call.
Point of Inquiry - Used to ask the Dais a question regarding Parliamentary Procedure.
Point of Personal Privilege - Used with to express a personal concern. E.g. The room is too warm, your placard broke, or you cannot hear the speaker.
Point of Information - Used to ask a delegate a question so they may clarify a speech. Not always permitted and used only during the speakers list.
8) Begin the unmoderated caucus (up to 30 minutes), where delegates informally discuss, network, and start forming alliances. Facilitators (chairs/judges) observe for diplomacy and collaboration points. Delegates work to draft resolutions.
9) Begin the moderated causes, where students propose the topic, speakers time, and total time. This is a formal debate on the topic, chaired by facilitators.
10) Ask delegates to raise placards in order to be recognized. Delegates speak in turn, responding to points made by others. There is a presentation of drafted resolutions to the committee by the sponsors of the paper (adjusted length of presentation time according to timing (As little as 3 minutes and as many as 10)
Students may ask questions of the sponsors for a period of the same time.
11) Begin the 15-minute voting session. Delegates vote on the presented resolutions. A simple majority in favor of the resolution means it passes. You can pass more than one.
12) At the end, submit your rankings.
Judging MUN:
Rank the top delegates in the committee between 70 and 100. 70 being the lowest.
Public Speaking (25 Points): Evaluates clarity, persuasion, speaking style, and confidence.
Diplomacy and Collaboration (25 Points): This section focuses on the ability to work with others, negotiate, and push the committee forward.
Resolution Writing (25 Points): Given the condensed format, the quality of contribution to drafting resolutions becomes even more critical. This includes the quality of writing, solution feasibility, and formal adherence.
Knowledge of Topic and Procedure (15 Points): Understanding of the committee's topic and mastery of MUN procedures.
Overall Contribution (10 Points): General engagement, activity level in sessions, and contribution towards the committee's goals.