Part 5 | General Speakers' Lists (GSLs) | UNA/USA MUN Procedural Training Series

Summary

Part 5 of the UNA-USA MUN procedural video delves into formal debate, guiding delegates through the core aspects of committee discussions. It explains the general speakers list (GSL), time allocation for speeches, and the four ways to yield remaining time: to questions, to the chair, to another delegate, or not at all. The video demonstrates these rules through a simulated session with countries like Myanmar, Russia, USA, Afghanistan, and France, highlighting yields, points of information, comments, and the right to reply. By combining clear rules with practical examples, delegates gain a comprehensive understanding of participating effectively in formal debate.

Takeaways

• 😀 Formal debate in MUN begins automatically once the agenda is set, with no motion required.
• 😀 There are two main types of debate in MUN: formal debate and informal debate.
• 😀 Formal debate is governed by strict rules of procedure, including fixed speaking times for delegates.
• 😀 The General Speakers List (GSL) is the primary method for delegates to speak during formal debate.
• 😀 Each delegate can only have their name on the GSL once per round until they get a chance to speak.
• 😀 Standard speaking time for a GSL speech is usually 90 seconds but can vary based on the executive board's decision.
• 😀 Delegates can yield unused time in four ways: to questions (POIs), to the chair, to another delegate, or not at all.
• 😀 Yielding to questions allows other delegates to ask questions, which can be strategically advantageous.
• 😀 Yielding to another delegate gives the remaining time to that delegate, but it cannot be further yielded.
• 😀 If a delegate does not yield, the chair may entertain comments from other delegates on the speech.
• 😀 Effective use of the GSL and strategic yielding enhances a delegate's participation and influence in formal debate.
• 😀 Comments and points of information add interaction and depth to the debate, allowing for clarification and challenge.

Q & A

What are the two main types of debate in an MUN?

The two main types of debate in an MUN are formal debate and informal debate. Formal debate follows structured rules of procedure, while informal debate is more flexible and less structured.

When does formal debate begin in an MUN session?

Formal debate begins as soon as the agenda is set and the chair announces, 'We are now in session, formal debate is in order.' No motion is required to start formal debate.

What is a General Speakers List (GSL) and how is it used?

The General Speakers List is a list of delegates who wish to speak during formal debate. Delegates raise their placards to add their name, can speak only once per list until recognized, and are given a fixed amount of time for their speech.

How much time is typically allotted for a speech on the General Speakers List?

The standard time is usually 90 seconds, though it can vary depending on the conference rules, ranging from 30 to 120 seconds.

What are the four types of yield in formal debate?

The four types of yield are: 1) Yield to questions (Points of Information), 2) Yield to the chair, 3) Yield to another delegate, and 4) Not yielding at all (chair may entertain comments).

What happens when a delegate yields their time to questions?

Other delegates are allowed to ask questions based on the speech. The delegate may answer these questions using their remaining time, which demonstrates their knowledge and engagement in debate.

Can a delegate yield their remaining time to a third delegate after yielding it to another?

No, a delegate can only yield to another delegate once. The receiving delegate cannot further yield the time to a third delegate.

What is the purpose of yielding time to the chair?

When a delegate yields time to the chair, the remaining time returns to the chair, who then moves on to the next speaker on the General Speakers List without using the delegate's leftover time.

What procedures follow if a delegate does not yield at all?

If a delegate does not yield, the chair may entertain two comments from other delegates, usually limited to 30 seconds each, providing opinions on the speech.

Why is it important for delegates to keep adding their names to the General Speakers List after speaking?

Adding their names again after speaking ensures delegates get multiple opportunities to contribute during the debate, which is crucial in a large conference where speaking time is limited.

In the example debate, how did the USA delegate utilize their yield?

The USA delegate spoke for their allotted time and then yielded their remaining time to the delegate of France, allowing France to continue the discussion with the leftover time.

What is the significance of Points of Inquiry in formal debate?

Points of Inquiry allow delegates to ask questions during a yielded-to-questions segment, promoting engagement, clarifying positions, and encouraging interactive debate.