How Yields, Points and Chits Work in MUN?

Model United Nations (MUN) can seem like a whirlwind of formal language and complex procedures. For beginners, understanding the flow of debate, mastering body language, and participating effectively can be a challenge. Beyond the speeches and lobbying, there are crucial, smaller elements that keep the game running smoothly. This blog will demystify three of these essential components: Yields, Points, and Chits. Grasping these will not only boost your confidence but also elevate your performance in any MUN conference.

Understanding Yields, Points, and Chits in

Model United Nations

Yields During MUN Opening Speech

Imagine you’ve just delivered a powerful opening speech that captivates the committee with your country’s stance. Now, as your allotted speaking time comes to an end, the chair asks, “To whom does the delegate yield their time?” 

This is the time to Yield.

Yielding refers to designating any remaining time you have after speaking your MUN opening speech, which is for 90 seconds. It's a fundamental part of the MUN Rules of Procedure and ensures that every second of debate is utilised effectively.

There are three main ways to yield:

• Yield to the Chair: This is the most common and often the default yield. When you yield to the Chair, any remaining time from your speech is returned to the overall debate time. This is a good option if you’ve said all you need to say; it demonstrates a polite and efficient use of time, especially during the General Speakers’ List (GSL), where concise MUN opening speeches are key.

  
  

• Yield to Another Delegate: This allows you to directly pass your remaining time to another delegate in the committee. This is particularly strategic if you’ve been working on a resolution together, or if you want to provide an opportunity for an ally to further elaborate on a point you’ve made. It fosters collaboration and can strengthen alliances. However, be mindful that the delegate you yield to might not be prepared, so it's best to arrange this beforehand.

  
  

• Yield to Point of Information: This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your public speaking skills and demonstrate your understanding of the topic. When you yield to Point of Information, other delegates can raise questions about your speech or your country’s position. It allows for direct engagement and can be a powerful way to clarify your stance or challenge opposing viewpoints.

  
  

Understanding yields is crucial for a smooth and dynamic debate. It’s not just about finishing your speech; it’s about strategically managing the flow of conversation and engaging with other delegates.

Example: Imagine the Delegate of Japan is speaking during the General Speakers’ List (GSL) on maritime security. They have a 90-second speaking limit but finish their remarks in 70 seconds. Japan (Verbatim): "...Japan urges all nations to respect international waters. The delegate yields their remaining time to point of information."

Using Points in MUN

While yields are about managing speaking time, Points are about upholding the rules and addressing procedural matters. Think of them as a structured way to interrupt the flow of debate for a specific, legitimate reason. 

Here are the types of Points according to the UNA-USA Rules of Procedure

• Point of Order: This is used when you believe there has been a breach of the MUN Rules of Procedure. For example, if a delegate is speaking outside of their allotted time, or if the Chair makes a procedural error, you can raise a Point of Order. This should only be used when necessary to maintain fairness and proper decorum.

  
  

  In some conferences, Point of Order is also used for correcting factual inaccuracies. While traditionally reserved for procedural errors, many Executive Boards allow this point to be used if a delegate provides information that is objectively false or contradicts established historical facts.

Scenario: The Chair accidentally skips your turn on the general speakers' list Delegate: "The delegate would like to raise a Point of Order!" Chair: "To what point do you rise?" Delegate: "The Chair recognized the Delegate of Brazil, but according to the list, the Delegate of Germany was next on the general speakers' list."

• Point of Personal Privilege: This point addresses an issue that affects your personal comfort or ability to participate effectively. This could include things like not being able to hear the speaker, needing to use the restroom, or a room being too cold. It’s about ensuring a conducive environment for everyone. This is the only intervention permitted to interrupt a speaking delegate, and it should be exercised solely when the speaker is inaudible.

Scenario: The delegate giving the opening speech is whispering, or there is loud construction noise outside the room. Delegate: "The delegate would like to raise a Point of Personal Privilege!" Chair: "Please state your point." Delegate: "The speaker is currently inaudible from the back of the room. Could they please speak closer to the microphone?"

• Point of Inquiry (or Parliamentary Inquiry): If you have a question about the rules of procedure or the current state of debate, you can raise a Point of Inquiry. This point ensures to transform confusion into confidence, allowing you to navigate the committee’s rules with the precision of a seasoned diplomat.

Scenario: You want to propose a change to a resolution but aren't sure if the committee is in "voting block" yet. Delegate: "The delegate would like to raise a Point of Inquiry!" Chair: "The delegate is recognized." Delegate: "Could the Chair please clarify if the floor is open for motions to enter an unoderated caucus?"

• Point of Information (POI): This point is used to ask a question to a delegate who has just finished speaking and has yielded their time to POI. This is where the interactive Q&A happens. It cannot be raised at any time; it is only in order once the Chair explicitly invites the committee to ask them.

Scenario: A delegate just finished a speech on carbon emissions, yielded to POI, and you want to ask them a question. Chair: "The delegate has yielded to questions. Are there any Points of Information?" Delegate: (Raises placard) Chair: "You have the floor." Delegate: "The delegate mentioned that carbon emissions rose by 50% last year. Could the delegate please cite the specific report this data was pulled from?"

Using points effectively demonstrates your understanding of the rules of procedure and your commitment to a fair and organised debate. However, avoid raising points unnecessarily, as it can disrupt the flow and be perceived as a delaying tactic.

Chits and Note-Passing

One of the most underrated ways of communicating in an MUN is via Chits. It is a powerful tool that can get you ahead of your fellow delegates if used strategically. Chits are small, written notes that delegates can pass to each other or to the executive board. You may wonder, what is the need for Chits if we have Unmoderated Caucuses? Some things need clarification, planning, or putting into the works instantly. Chits let you personally communicate with everyone from the moment the conference starts. They are a lifeline for discreet communication without interrupting the debate.

Here are the types of Chits you can send in an MUN:

1. To Executive Board (EB) Chits: These are directed to the chair to clarify doubts, ask for permission, or submit formal requests without interrupting the speakers' list.

   
   

2. Via EB Chits: These are messages sent to other delegates that must first pass through the executive board for screening to ensure marking is maintained.

   
   

3. Point of Information (Via EB) Chits: These are used to ask a question to a delegate who has just finished giving their MUN opening speech and has yielded their time to POI, but only when you are not granted the floor by the Chair.

   
   

4. POI Reply (Via EB) Chits: Once you've received a question via a POI chit, you use a Reply Chit to send your formal response back to the inquiring delegate.

   
   

5. Substantive Chits: These allow delegates to share additional research, points, or arguments that they could not present during verbal speeches due to time constraints. This ensures your hard work still reaches the executive board.

   
   

6. Delegate-to-Delegate Chits: Used for private, informal communication, lobbying, and building alliances with other delegates. This is the heart of diplomacy.

   
   
   
   

Here is the standard format used for sending Chits:

To: From: {Body} (via EB can be mentioned at the top if it is a POI or Reply Chit)

While chits are incredibly useful, remember to use them judiciously. Excessive chit-passing can be distracting for you and others. Keep your messages concise, polite, and relevant to the debate.

Understanding Yields, Points, and Chits is like learning the individual instruments in an orchestra. Each has its specific role, and when used together harmoniously, they create a powerful and effective diplomatic experience.

MUN Yields, Points and Chits Simplified

From delivering compelling Opening Speeches in MUN and mastering your Public Speaking to navigating the complex MUN Rules of Procedure and understanding the nuances of how the United Nations operates, these seemingly small elements are fundamental to success. They empower you to participate actively, uphold fairness, and strategically advance your country’s agenda, whether you’re representing a major power in the Security Council or a smaller nation in a specialised committee.

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