Pre-ambulatory and Operative phrases

Here are some of the Pre-ambulatory, and Operative Phrases: (For an example on how to use these see example resolution below.)

Pre-ambulatory Phrases :

Accepting that
Expecting
Keeping in mind
Affirming
Expressing its appreciation
Noting with satisfaction
Alarmed by
Expressing its satisfaction
Noting with deep concern
Approving
Fulfilling
Noting further
Aware of
Fully aware
Noting with approval
Alarmed Observing
Fully believing
Noting
Believing Fully
Further deploring
Recognizing
Citing Further
Further recalling
Reaffirming
Concerned that
Gravely concerned
Recalling
But realizing
Having adopted
Realizing
Bearing in mind
Having considered
Referring by Seeking
Contemplating that
Having considered further
Taking into account
Convinced Guided
Having examined
Taking into consideration
Declaring
Having studied
Taking note
Deeply concerned
Having heard
Viewing with appreciation
Deeply conscious
Having received
Welcoming
Deeply disturbed
Whereas
Deeply regretting
Yet maintaining
Designating
Emphasizing

OPERATIVE PHRASES :

Accepts
Designates
Proclaims
Affirms

Emphasizes 
Reaffirms
Draws the attention.

Approves 
Encourages 
Recommends

Authorizes 
Endorses 
Reminds  

Be it resolved 
Regrets 
Calls

Expresses 
Requests
Calls upon  

Further invites
Resolves  
Condemns

Further proclaims
Solemnly affirms  

Congratulates
Further reminds
Strongly condemns

Confirms 
Further recommends
Supports Considers  

Further resolves
Trusts 
Further requests  

Have resolved
Takes note of 
Transmits

Notes
Urges 
Declares accordingly

Expresses its appreciation

What is a resolution paper

RESOLUTIONS

A resolution presents a problem in the world to solve and proposes a solution(s) to the problem. A nation or a group of nations in a committee submits resolutions where delegates debate for or against them. After debate is closed, they are voted on and either passed as is, passed with amendments, or rejected. Delegates often base their vote on their country's stance and policy, as well as the specifics of the resolution.

(This is where your research and focus on the resolution becomes important!)

A resolution is always in the form of one long sentence divided into two basic parts: The pre-ambulatory and operative sections. The pre-ambulatory section explains the problems using current events and past UN actions. The operative section states a proposed solution, often in many parts, to the problem. Each clause is preceded by a phrase. Scroll down for a sample resolution that is included to help give you a basic idea when writing resolutions for your committee.

MUN SPEAKING TIPS

How to make an opening speech

1. First, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable Chair/ President…"

1. Then begin by providing a brief history on the issue as it relates to your country.
2. Speak about how the issue is currently affecting your country.

1. Provide your country's position on the issue. Include an explanation for your country’s stance, such as economic or security concerns or political or religious ideology.

1. You may choose to give an explanation of how your country's position relates to the positions of other member states such as the major powers or countries in your regional bloc.

1. You should discuss some of the past actions taken by the UN, member states and NGOs to address the issue.
2. Present ideas for a resolution, stressing your country’s objectives for the resolution.

1. Talk about the role that NGOs or regional organizations have to play in addressing the issue.
2. Indicate to the committee members whether your country is willing to negotiate.

How to make speech during debate

1. Again, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable Chair/ President…"

1. Encourage collaboration among member states by proposing ways that your country would be willing to work with other member states.

1. By referencing what other delegates have said, you can show support for your allies or indicate which proposals your country does not favor.

1. Present ideas for draft resolutions.
2. Explain why your country does or does not support other draft resolutions.

Public Speaking Tips

1. Prepare: Decide how you feel most comfortable delivering your speech. You may choose to use your position paper text as your opening speech or you may write out some key points. In time, you may feel comfortable speaking without any written notes at all. If you plan to use a word or phrase that is unfamiliar to you, make sure you learn its meaning and how to pronounce it properly.
2. Practice: Rehearsing your speech is the best way to perfect your public speaking skills. Try practicing in front of a teacher, a parent, or fellow Model UNers from your class or club. When you listen to a speech, provide 

Point of Information, What do I do?

When recognized to state a Point of Information, a question, by the chair:

1. After a delegate competes their speech, the chair will inquire whether the speaker is open to Points of Information.  If the speaker is open to questions (and the speaker may or may not be), then you should raise your country’s name card to ask a question.  If your country is recognized, then you may rise and state your P.O.I.  Address your question concisely to the delegate, and allow the speaker to answer.  Do NOT engage in an argument or conversation with the speaker, whether you agree with the answer or not.
2. The only appropriate time to pose a P.O.I. is when the char asks for them.  Do NOT raise your country’s name care before the chair asks, it is technically out of order.  A P.O.I. is exactly that: a Point.  No more than one question can be asked per Point of Information.
3. When stating a P.O.I. , the delegate to whom the point is directed to must be addressed with respect.  An example:  “Most honourable delegate of Japan…”.
4. Make sure you make the best out of each question, as you only get a few.
5. Be as specific as possible when you ask a question.  This will ensure that your point comes through clearly.
6. Try to phrase it in such a way that is can’t be answered with a yes or no statement.
7. Listen carefully to other speeches so you don’t repeat points already discussed.
8. Try to write your question down first.  Work on the wording from your seat not when you are asking the question.
9. Pre-plan on what you wan to do with the resolution (pass it or fail it) so that you can come up with constructive questions to prove your arguments.
10. Ask another delegation to ask a question for you if you have already been called on several times.
11. Immediately challenge the speaker if they state a fact without supporting it:  “This resolution is vague.”  Ask:  “Which clauses, specifically, are vague?”  Why do you classify clauses 6 on line 45 as vague?

RESOLUTION QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

When handed a resolution that you, the delegate, has never seen before you should ask these questions about each resolution and remember these tips:

1. Is this resolution realistic?  Can it be done?
2. Does it have a strong clauses that actually solve something or is it just an “air” resolution?  à  One that sounds good but really says nothing.
3. What are the fundamental operations mechanisms for change?  How does this resolution intend to change the status quo?
4. Does this resolution comply with the moral ideals of my country?
5. How will this resolution benefit my country should it pass?
6. Are there any new thoughts/ideas/approaches or is it just conventional?
7. Have these actions already been implemented?
8. Are there any actions that are in violation to the UN Charter?
9. Are there any specific clauses that support/violate your country’s policies?
10. How can I help strengthen the wear parts of a country’s actual position?  What is the reality of the country’s present actions?
11. What will the impact be on my country’s national sovereignty?
12. Mark every clause, bad, or not sure.  This will give you a game plan on what you want to point out, ask questions on, or what clauses to amend, or change.  Analyze and point out the flaws or the benefits of every resolution.

WHEN YOU TAKE THE FLOOR TIPS

A.  When you, the delegate, take the floor:

1. Be confident.  Show the delegates that you know your topic well.
2. Maintain professionalism.  The more professional you are the more serious people will take you.
3. Slow down when speaking.  Project your voice and annunciate every word.  If you sound confident and strong people will be willing to listen to you.
4. Don’t read off a paper when speaking for or against a resolution.  Have a few key points written down and then discuss the topic.
5. Be friendly.  Thank the delegate for their question.  Remember you are trying to make allies, not enemies.
6. Be positive and don’t take criticisms personally.
7. If you are the main submitter of a resolution, try to be the last speaker in open debate.  The final thing you want other delegates to hear is positive information about the resolution.
8. If you aren’t sure how to answer the question, ask the Chair to have the delegate repeat the question.  This allows you more time to think or understand the question.
9. Plan with other delegates to use the same key phrases over and over again: “this resolution will improve the living conditions or migrant workers”, “this resolution is a violation of national sovereignty”.  Repeating the message will ensure that the other delegates know your main point.
10. When speaking, address the chair as “Honourable Chair” and delegates are “Honourable Delegates”, or “Fellow/Honourable Delegate”.
11. You are under no obligation to answer any questions at all.  The Chair will ask if you are open to any “Points of Information”, or questions after you have finished speaking.  If you are not, just say so.  However, it is advisable to be open to P.O.I., even more advisable to limit the number of questions.  So, limit the number of questions to be asked by other delegates in order to keep delegates happy and to appear confident and firm in your country’s opinion (whether you are or not).
12. If you want a certain country to support you and speak immediately after you, then ask the chair if you may lead the floor to that country.  Unless there are time constraints, the chair will usually grant that request without hesitation.  Keep in mind that the floor can only be yielded to another delegate ONCE.  After Speaker #2 finishes, then the floor must be yielded back to the chair immediately.