General Rules During Debate

                                           General Rules During Formal Debate:

1. Decisions of the Chair are final. If you argue you could be kicked out of the committee. 
2. Only the Chair, or a delegate recognized by the Chair for a point, or the speaker holding the floor has a right to speak.
3. All speakers, including those rising to points, must stand when speaking and address the Chair first (in order to obtain the floor).
4. The Chair may extend or reduce debate times or speaking times and limit the number of points of information.  The Chair may also suspend note passing.
5. Except by a decision of the Chair, there will be no suspension of the rules or changes in the order of debate.
6. There will not be any eating, drinking or laughing allowed at anytime during debate.
7. Remember that this is a formal debate.  The use of slang or any informal language irrelevant to debates will not be allowed, and proper adherence to the rules of Parliamentary Procedure is expected
8. Always address the Chair and your fellow delegates with respect before you commence speaking.  Before starting a speech, say something to the affect of, “Honourable Chair, fellow delegates,’’ and then proceed with your statement.
9. Refrain from using personal pronouns when speaking.  Remember never say “I”.  Always refer to yourself and others by the country being represented.  If you feel the burning urge to use a pronoun, use “we.”  E.g.  If you are answering a question about your country’s opinion, you must say, “Australia feels that…” or “We feel that…” and not “I feel that…” because you are speaking for your country and not yourself.
10. If you have something to say (about the  MUN) to the Chair or any other delegate, outside of debate, DO NOT SPEAK!  Write a note.  Note writing is the preferred form of communication in MUN.