The Ideal Practice Session: To a Delegate and a Chair

-Astha Rijal and Saisha Joshi

Astonishingly, in one lone committee itself priorities amongst delegates vary like England’s weather. While some delegates sluggishly drag themselves into practice sessions only knowing the abbreviated forms of their committee names there are their counterparts dolled up to their closet’s fullest potential, present solely to win the title of best dressed. The third category of MUNers happens to be the competitive debaters, lobbying since the very first hour of practice sessions. Sure, this might be an exaggerated version of what MUNers are really like, however, an ideal practice session revolves around the same basic aspects for any sort of debater present.

To most delegates, the crème de la crème of practice sessions aren’t too far off from what RBS practices now. Practice sessions should start off with an interactive ice-breaker to increase the confidence level of all delegates while simultaneously removing the apprehensiveness of the first timers. Easing first timers into the MUN experience is incredibly necessary to have a fruitful debate and it benefits the experienced delegates as well.

The topic of debate during practice sessions must be a notorious, up and coming matter but must also be debated light-heartedly. Light-hearted, however, must not be confused with generic as no delegate can tolerate the exhaustion of having to repeat the argument of iOS VS Android one more time. Such light hearted debates are ideal not only due to the fact that they allow avid debaters to pick out their competitors but also due to their ability of obliterating stagnation amongst delegates.

An ideal practice session must always be bustling. Everyone including the dais must be on their toes at all times, whether it is done by creating an incurable pandemic as a crisis or by raising a motion of entertainment, for even the most serious delegates find it difficult to give up the opportunity to watch awkward dancing.

While the ideals of the chairs might seem to comprise only of fiery debate and perfectly drafted resolutions, what chairs actually wish for is not as unattainable as it may come off. With a pure intent of creating countless memories with their committees, a chair’s view of a perfect practice session might in fact be very similar to that of any delegate.

For everyone chairing a committee attendance falls amongst the greatest of priorities. In the absence of delegates, trying to initiate a productive and fruitful practice session would undoubtedly be a tedious task. However, having delegates who only just show up to committee is no better than having a half empty committee; participation is key. The ideal practice session would therefore be witness to undying debates between delegates who ask the right questions and come up with logical solutions. Chairs want all delegates to speak up; make a point no matter how absurd it may seem rather than just remaining silent like pieces of furniture. With intentions to facilitate participation from all delegates, chairs want meaningful discussions that benefit individuals and the committee as a whole.

Interaction is underrated, for nothing pleases a chair more than a delegate who is so eager about the debate that they cannot stop asking questions. Confused? Lost? Go up to the executive board with any queries you may have without any hesitation.

The most ideal of practice sessions happen in committees with delegates who understand when to be serious and when to have fun. Chairs want you to be sincere, yes, but they also equally appreciate someone who proudly presents to the committee, a corny pun and a few idiosyncratic dance moves during motions of entertainment. Idealism sure can appear as an unachievable concept but as long as the sessions remain spirited, interactive and balanced between fun and learning, there can be no greater achievement.