TMF Guides · Model UN
MUN Glossary: The Terms You'll Hear on Day One
Model UN runs on a specific vocabulary. Not knowing a term does not make you a worse delegate, but it does cost you the first session while you decode what everyone is saying.
Core terms
These come up within the first thirty minutes of any committee.
- Dais — the chair, vice-chair and director running the committee.
- Placard — the nameplate you raise to be recognised.
- Roll call — the opening attendance, answered present or present and voting.
- GSL — the general speakers' list, the default order of speeches.
- Caucus — a debate block, either moderated or unmoderated.
- Yield — how you dispose of leftover speaking time.
Documentation terms
Working paper: an early draft of ideas, not yet formatted as a resolution. Draft resolution: a formatted document accepted by the dais for debate.
Sponsor: a delegation that authored the document. Signatory: a delegation that wants it debated without necessarily supporting it.
Procedural terms
Dilatory: a motion the chair rules pointless or disruptive. Division of the question: splitting a resolution so clauses can be voted separately.
Right of reply: a chance to respond when a delegation's national integrity has been attacked.
Frequently asked questions
What does yielding mean in MUN?
Disposing of your remaining speaking time — to the chair, to another delegate, or to points of information.
What is a dilatory motion?
A motion the chair rules out of order because it is pointless, repetitive or intended to waste committee time.
What is the difference between a sponsor and a signatory?
Sponsors wrote the document and support it. Signatories only want it debated and may vote against it.
Keep reading
MUN Rules of Procedure, In the Order You'll Use Them
The complete MUN rules of procedure in order of use — roll call, speakers' list, motions, points of order and inquiry, yields, and voting procedure.
MUN Tips for Beginners
Practical MUN tips for first-time delegates — what to do in the first hour, how to get on the speakers' list, note passing, bloc joining and avoiding beginner mistakes.
Moderated Caucus: The Format That Decides Most MUN Committees
What a moderated caucus is, how to raise one, how speaking time and total time work, and how to actually dominate a moderated caucus as a delegate.
Put it into practice
The MUN Factory 3.0 — registrations open
Fifteen committees across UN, Indian, Special and Event formats. Individual and delegation tracks, with tiered discounts from five delegates.