How to Write an MUN Opening Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

MUNs can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a first-time delegate or someone who has attended several conferences. One of the biggest challenges is not knowing how to prepare for your opening speech. It’s not only about research, but also about how you present your speech and how you deliver it.

Your opening speech is the first impression you will leave on the committee. But don’t worry , if you’re still struggling with how to write the perfect opening speech or how to research it, you’re at the right place. Let’s understand the art of writing an opening speech, commonly known as a GSL speech.

Now, if you don’t know what GSL is, let’s understand what it actually is.

In Model United Nations (MUN), GSL stands for General Speakers’ List. It is the order of speakers established at the beginning of a committee session that determines who gets to take the floor and deliver speeches.

Now, this sounds a little hard to understand.

Informally, think of a classroom where everyone wants to speak. Obviously, everyone can’t speak at once, so the teacher makes a list of names to ensure everyone gets a turn. In MUN, that list is called the General Speakers’ List (GSL). When it’s your turn, you stand up and deliver your opening speech, explaining your country’s opinion and position on the topic being discussed.

If your country is in a strong position, you can also propose solutions. If your country is not in a strong position, you can ask for support and cooperation from other countries through your opening speech.

Since opening speech plays a crucial role in MUNs 

Lets understand what it actually is ? 

An opening speech is the first speech your country gives in the committee. It tells everyone what your country thinks about the agenda and what it hopes the committee will achieve. Think of it as saying, “Hello everyone, this is where my country stands, and this is what we’d like to discuss.”

Now that we understand what Opening speech is, lets understand how to write one 

1. Start with a hook    

Now that we understand what an opening speech is, let us understand how to write one.

The  best idea is to start with a hook.  Firstly you need to grab the attetion of the committe and the chairs. Once you are done with it , not only chair but the delegates will also listen to you.. So, the best way to get their attention is to start with a hook.

By hook, I mean you could start your opening speech with a fact, a thought-provoking line, a quote, statistics, or something that you feel.

For example, if the agenda is about women’s safety, you could begin with a powerful fact, a quote, or relevant statistics.

A good hook should be short, relevant, and very easy to understand. Remember, you are trying to grab the committee’s attention. You are not trying to put your whole speech into one sentence 

2. Tell the Stance of Your Country (Country Position)

The second step is to tell the stance of your country, or your country’s position. This is the most important part of your opening speech because here you are going to speak as a delegate of your country.

You will tell what your country is facing, what is happening in your country, how it is happening, since when it has been happening, and how your country is dealing with it.

Since an opening speech usually lasts from 60 to 90 seconds, you can easily spend 30 to 40 seconds explaining your country’s position because this is the most important part.

Since you are representing your country, it does not matter whether your personal opinions align with your country’s position. So, do not speak from your personal opinion.

The important thing is that even if your country is not in a very good position, you should not defame it. Instead, tell the Chairs and the committee what is happening and why it is happening. Try not to defame your country because you are representing it, and your job is to defend it, not criticize it.

For example, if you are representing India in a UNCSW committee, you could mention laws and initiatives your country has introduced in recent years, such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. ( source: google) 

3. Key Issues

For the key issues, we are basically answering one question:

What are the biggest problems related to this agenda that my country wants the committee to focus on?

For example:

• What is the biggest challenge?

• Who is affected by it?

• Why is it still a problem?

• Why should the committee care about it?

Example 1: Women’s Safety (UNCSW)

Your key issues could be:

• Gender-based violence

• Lack of access to justice

• Why women are not treated as equal human beings

• Child marriage

• Human trafficking

• Workplace harassment

• Domestic violence

• Marital rape

Example 2: Artificial Intelligence (UNHRC)

Your key issues could be:

• Data privacy

• AI bias and discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities

• Cybersecurity risks

• Mass surveillance

• Lack of international regulations

Example 3: UNODC

If you are in the UNODC committee, your key issues could include:

• Drug trafficking

• Drug supply networks

• Organized crime

• Money laundering

• Human trafficking

• Illegal arms trafficking

4. Proposed Solutions

Now that you have told the committee about the biggest issues, it’s time to tell them how your country wants to solve them.

This is where many delegates make a mistake. They spend their entire speech talking about problems but forget to offer solutions. Remember, MUN isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong. It’s about working together to fix it.

Your solutions don’t have to be unrealistic or impossible. Keep them practical and make sure they match your country’s foreign policy.

For example, your country could suggest:

• Better international cooperation

• Stronger laws and regulations

• Awareness campaigns

• Funding for developing countries

• Sharing technology and resources

• Capacity-building programmes

Don’t list ten different solutions. One or two well-explained ideas are much better than a long list.

End with a Call to Action

Your last few lines should encourage the committee to work together.

Think of it as ending your speech on a positive note. Tell the committee what your country hopes to achieve and invite other delegates to cooperate.

For example:

• “The delegation of France looks forward to working with fellow member states to address this issue.”

• “India believes that only through international cooperation can we create lasting solutions.”

• “The delegation encourages all member states to engage in constructive dialogue.”

Keep it short. Your ending should leave the committee with a clear message.

Do’s and Don’ts of an Opening Speech

Do’s

• Do research your country’s official position before writing your speech.

• Do speak as your country, not as yourself.

• Do keep your speech clear and easy to understand.

• Do maintain eye contact with the committee whenever possible.

• Do stay within the time limit.

Don’ts

• Don’t read your speech word for word.

• Don’t use facts that you cannot verify.

• Don’t criticize or defame the country you are representing.

• Don’t speak too fast because of nervousness.

• Don’t try to include every single point in one speech.

Tips for Delivering Your Opening Speech

Writing a good speech is only half the job. The way you deliver it matters just as much.

Pace

Don’t rush. Speak slowly enough that everyone can understand you. If you feel nervous, take a small pause after every few sentences. It will make you sound calmer and more confident.

Tone

Speak with confidence, but don’t shout. Your tone should sound respectful and diplomatic. Remember, you’re representing a country.

Eye Contact

Don’t keep looking down at your paper. Try to look at different parts of the committee while speaking. Even if you only look up for a few seconds at a time, it makes a huge difference.

Tip Box: How to Sound Confident Even If You’re Nervous

Let’s be honest almost every delegate gets nervous before their first speech.

Here are a few things that actually help:

• Take one deep breath before you begin.

• Speak a little slower than you normally do.

• Pause instead of saying “um” or “uh.”

• Hold your paper still instead of moving it around.

• Remember that everyone in the committee was once a first-time delegate too.

Confidence doesn’t mean you never get nervous. It means you continue speaking even when you are.

Sample Opening Speech

Honourable Chair, distinguished delegates,

“What happens when technology grows faster than the rules that govern it?”

The delegation of France believes that while artificial intelligence has transformed our world, it must always respect fundamental human rights and the right to privacy.

One of the biggest challenges today is the misuse of AI through mass surveillance, weak data protection, and the absence of common international standards. These issues continue to affect millions of people across the world.

France supports stronger international cooperation, responsible AI development, and policies that protect both innovation and human rights. The delegation believes that no country can address these challenges alone.

France looks forward to working with all member states to develop practical and inclusive solutions.

Thank you. 

( source :- google) 

Final Thoughts

A winning opening speech isn’t about using the most difficult vocabulary or sounding like a professional diplomat. It’s about understanding your country’s position, speaking with confidence, and communicating your ideas clearly.

The more you practise, the more natural your speeches will become. Every experienced MUN delegate started exactly where you are today ,with a first opening speech.