How to Prepare a Moderated Caucus Speech?

In the fast-paced world of Model United Nations, the moderated caucus is where the action happens. This is your chance to deliver short, powerful speeches on a specific subtopic, guiding the debate and showcasing your expertise. Unlike free-flowing unmoderated caucuses, a “mod” is structured, chaired, and time-bound, giving each delegate just 30 to 90 seconds to speak.

While brief, these speeches make a lasting impression. A great moderated caucus speech in MUN can establish you as a leader, attract allies, and drive the entire committee toward your proposed solutions. Let’s break down how to prepare and deliver one that wins.

Step by Step Guide for Your Moderated Caucus Speech

Step 1: Build Your Foundation with Research

Preparation begins long before you raise your placard. A powerful speech is built on a foundation of solid research and a clear understanding of the diplomatic landscape.

• Know Your Country’s Policy: Every statement you make must align with your assigned nation’s official stance. Your goal is to be a diplomat representing a country, so leave personal opinions at the door.

• Understand the Agenda: Dive deep into the key issues of the topic. Whether it's climate change or a refugee crisis, identify the core challenges, historical context, and previous UN actions.

• Focus on the Subtopic: A moderated caucus zeroes in on a specific question, like “What are the economic implications of sanctions?” or “How can we ensure humanitarian aid reaches conflict zones?” Tailor your points directly to this narrow focus.

Step 2: Master the 3-Part Speech Structure

In a moderated caucus, clarity is king. A simple three-part formula ensures your speech is memorable, logical, and solution-oriented.

1. The Hook (Grab Attention): Start with a compelling fact, a striking statistic, or a statement that frames the problem’s urgency.

   "Distinguished delegates, over 70 million people are displaced worldwide, yet international aid continues to fall short of the promises made in this very chamber."

2. The Position (State Your Stance): Clearly and concisely explain your country’s viewpoint on the subtopic.

   "As the delegate of Kenya, we believe that durable solutions to the refugee crisis must be led by regional cooperation, not just international mandates."

3. The Action Point (Propose a Solution): End with one clear, actionable idea. This is your call to action.

   "Therefore, we propose creating a shared UNHCR database for East African nations to coordinate resettlement efforts and eliminate the duplication of aid."

Step 3: Make Every Word Count

With the clock ticking, there's no room for fluff. Here are some MUN tips to maximize your impact:

• Stick to one idea. Don’t try to solve the world's problems in 60 seconds. Focus on landing a single, powerful point.

• Use diplomatic language. Incorporate formal verbs like “urges,” “recommends,” “affirms,” and “supports.”

• Avoid filler phrases. Cut words like “I think” or “in my opinion.” Speak with the authority of your delegation.

• Time yourself. Practice your speech with a stopwatch until you can deliver it comfortably within the time limit.

Step 4: Perfect Your Public Speaking Delivery

A brilliantly written speech can fail without confident delivery. How you say something is just as important as what you say.

• Timing: Know your pace. Speaking too fast makes you hard to follow, while speaking too slowly can make you run out of time.

• Confidence: Stand tall, project your voice, and speak with conviction.

• Eye Contact: Engage with your audience. Look at the Dais and fellow delegates to build connection and show you command the room.

• Tone: Be formal and respectful, but also firm and persuasive. Your tone should reflect the gravity of the topic.

Sample 45-Second Moderated Caucus Speech

Agenda: Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels

“Honourable Chair, distinguished delegates, the delegate of Bangladesh wishes to highlight that rising sea levels are not a distant threat but a present reality. Each year, thousands of our citizens lose their homes and livelihoods to flooding and erosion. This crisis is not only a humanitarian issue but also a matter of global security, as mass displacement creates instability that crosses borders.

Bangladesh firmly believes that no single country can address this challenge alone. We call upon the international community to support the creation of a UN-led Climate Resilience Fund, focused on technology transfer, sustainable infrastructure, and early warning systems. By working together, we can protect vulnerable populations and ensure that climate justice becomes more than a promise—it becomes action.”

Conclusion: From Preparation to Persuasion

A moderated caucus speech in MUN is your moment to shine, even in under a minute. Your success hinges on four pillars: deep research, clear structure, concise language, and confident delivery. By entering the committee room prepared with one strong idea and the skills to deliver it effectively, you will stand out as a persuasive, respected, and solution-driven delegate.

📌 Want to prepare your school or students for MUNs? Connect with us to bring structured training workshops to your institution.

If you have any queries or would like to submit a guest post, please contact or email us at cityoneintitiative@gmail.com. Do not forget to like and give your feedback on the blog.