It’s no secret that Model UN is draining. From networking before committee even starts, to opening speeches, moderated and unmoderated caucuses, and resolution writing, there is always something that requires your full attention. However, as the introvert I am, I find unmoderated caucuses the most difficult – keeping a whole bloc of people engaged for ten or more minutes is no easy task. If you find yourself shrinking away from large blocs or standing silently on the fringe, don’t fear! Everyone has a way of dealing with unmods that suits their personality the best. For more introverted people, I’ve found that there are three things you can do that will help establish you as a leader of a bloc: distancing yourself from power delegates, getting to know your bloc mates personally, and acting as a facilitator in unmoderated caucuses.
I often see new delegates stressing about how they did in their first committee session. I remember on the first night of BOSMUN how half a dozen people from my delegation sat in my room and complained about their first session, dissatisfied by how they did not lead a 15 delegate bloc, did not speak for the longest time in their circle, or how their comments got interrupted by a power delegate. Without a doubt, this dissatisfaction is familiar to many MUNers. And ultimately, it stems from an idea of what the ideal MUN delegate looks like – naturally talkative, overly commanding, and scheming behind others’ backs. I encourage you all to abandon that notion. Instead, if you don’t find yourself as the focus of the largest bloc in the room, do not be afraid to distance yourself from the power delegates and start a smaller bloc of your own. You may be thinking this sounds quite hard, but choosing your people will make the process much easier. In every committee, there are introverts just like yourself, and people who have come far more researched than any power delegate but have a hard time getting their voice heard. To find them, ask a group of delegates from the outskirts of a large bloc if they would like to move somewhere else to discuss their ideas (there usually are not any no’s because they were not being heard in their previous bloc). Just like that, you have filtered out the most talkative delegates and have a small group of people you can manage much more easily.
While starting your own bloc gives you the foundation that you need to build upon throughout the rest of committee, it is key to maintain good bloc relations. Creating a friendly bloc environment begins the moment you split off from the larger bloc. Quite simply put, you want to see and treat everyone in your bloc like the human beings they are, not just as countries that you can manipulate to do your bidding. For instance, I always introduce myself as Alana and ask for first names when I create a bloc. This brings everyone in your bloc closer together, transforming a usually tense atmosphere into one that is more personal and amiable. Invite everyone in your bloc to go out to eat, don’t exclude anyone. When writing a resolution, make sure you not only ask for everyone’s perspectives on the issue, but you assign quieter delegates clauses to write (preferably ones that pertain to their country’s interests or solutions they have researched) as well. All of this ensures that everyone in the bloc feels like their voice has been heard in one way or another which is not always possible in larger blocs.
So, after you split into your own bloc and get to know everyone, how do you carry on conversation? What I have found to be most helpful is to step back from being the most talkative to acting as a facilitator in unmoderated caucuses. Much like how a teacher acts in a class discussion, being a facilitator in a bloc entails guiding the bloc’s conversation – you may ask questions about different solutions presented, respectfully point out flaws using research, and change the discussion topics at your discretion. These are all ways for introverts to demonstrate leadership without going overboard with talking. Besides from just facilitating through speech, I suggest you have a legal pad and pen in your hands at all times to track information that comes up during discussion, such as important clause ideas and delegated work. This way, members of your bloc will always come to you for clarification on the working paper and the work they need to do.
All in all, I truly believe there is a place for everyone in MUN, not just the cookie-cutter power delegates we are all used to seeing. Though you may not be as loud or flashy during unmods as those delegates are, always remember that it does not pay to try to beat them at their own game. Instead, listen to others. Be their friend. Lead without arrogance. And remember, everything takes practice! If you don’t do well one time, try another time, and another. Have fun during the process and congratulate yourself on any improvements you make. You got this!
