Hello everyone! My name is Vincent Nicandro, and I am honored to be this year’s OPI Director for IIMUN V. Over the next two weeks leading up to the conference, I’ll be writing posts in the hope that delegates may come to IIMUN prepared and engaged in solving the problems of today. Thank you for joining us once again at IIMUN V, and I can’t wait to meet you all soon.
One of the very first topics I knew I wanted to talk about is the illusory question that eludes even the best of chairs’ explanations: what makes the best delegate, well, best? It sounds like a subjective idea, and to an extent, it. relies a bit on what the chair feels determines a best delegate. However, there are key qualities in every best delegate that truly separates them from the pack. Here are some things to consider as you plan to work your way around committee:
- Know your stuff (Seriously!). Don’t come to committee with the idea that you may be able to wing your way through the conference. Not only is that selling yourself short in preparedness, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage even before you step into committee! Take the necessary measures and do the research beforehand. (On a related note, Position Papers are due in a little over a week on Sunday, April 12th, by 11:59 PM. There’s still enough time to research the topics and your country’s positions!)
- Consider not just what you say, but how you say it. Not only does the content of what you say carry importance, but the way you carry yourself and establish your presence is also very important. Body language that suggests an open, friendly, and assertive personality is what you should strive for throughout the entirety of committee, including when making speeches, during caucusing, and when forming resolution groups.
- The loudest one is not the best one. All too often, delegates become entrenched in the idea that if they speak loud enough, chairs will hear them and consider them as the leader of that group (Hint: that’s not the case.) Our chairs are committed to present awards to Strive not to be the rude delegate that interrupts other nations when a dais member walks by; instead, be the moderator of the discussion. Not only does that show that you carry a sense of leadership to maintain order in a group, but other delegates would love to work with you, too!
- Diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy. Above all, remember that you represent a member-nation! Act professionally in committee, and treat all other delegates to the same courtesy that you would like to be treated with. At chairs’ discretion, points may be taken off for behavior or conduct deemed undiplomatic.
- Enjoy yourself in committee! MUN isn’t always about the awards (which sounds contradictory in a post about Best Delegate qualities!). Chairs are aware of the delegates actively trying to pursue awards for the sake of winning them; where is the motivation there except for a title on your curriculum vitae? Chairs are more susceptible to awarding those delegates who are truly enjoying themselves in the committee and actively participating due to their interest, not necessarily their chance for an award.
There’s no secret formula or surefire way to become best delegate at any conference; rather, the dedication one puts in refining their skills is the single-most determining factor in improving one’s standing in committee. Be prepared, be confident, and be on your game, and you will come out on top.
IIMUN by THHSMUN 