CONFERENCE DEBATE SCRIPT EXAMPLE

At beginning:

Check that mics work, projector works, computer works

Check that all placards are in order
Check that we have gavel, stop watch
Organize everything and GET EXCITED!

General Schedule (very subject to change):

Debate Session 1: 9:00 - 11:00
Snack Break: 11:00 - 11:30
Debate Session 2: 11:30 - 13:30
Lunch Break: 13:30 - 14:15
14:00 - Hand in resolutions to be photocopied
Debate Session 3: 14:15 - 16:15
Conference Ends: 16:30
9:10 Introductions (Chair)
Welcome to the International Monetary Fund 3 Committee! I
hereby call this meeting of the Madrid Global Classrooms Final
Conference to order (bang the gavel). (If necessary: delegates,
please take your seats.) My name is Mai, and I will be your
chair today! I am here to moderate this meeting and make sure
that everyone works hard and has a lot of fun! I will make sure
that each country has an opportunity to share its opinion. I also
will make sure that we use our time efficiently and guide us
between the different parts of the meetingthe speakers list,
the moderated and unmoderated caucuses, and voting
procedure. Now, Id like for you to meet the rest of the dais.
o Rapporteur, Director, Staff Introduce Themselves
Director: My name is Danny and I will be your
director. I will take notes throughout the day of the
points that you are each contributing. Later on in
the day I will oversee the resolution writing
process and will explain amendments and voting.
Rapporteur (Sara), Staff (Meg)
Introduce Helper (Darshali) and other people in the
room
You have all worked incredibly hard preparing for today. And
we are sure that your hard work will pay off. Most importantly,
we want you all to remember to relax. Today will be a lot of fun
and a great chance to learn about and collaborate with other
countries.
We on the dais are all here to help you delegates and make
you feel comfortable. We know it is scary being in front of forty
other people you dont know, but remember that everyone is in
the same position that you are in. And that you are all going to
do a great job!

Now, wed like to do a few exercises to wake you up and get

you warmed up for the debate. Take off your suit jackets and
reach for the sky! Now, reach for the floor. Now, shake your
right hand. Now, shake your left hand. Now, shake both hands!
Shake your right foot, shake your left foot. Now shake both
feet! Shake your whole body! Shake Down, Hokey Pokey,
Etc
Finally, wed like you to introduce yourself to your neighbor
delegationssay your names and the country youre
representing!

Explain the Rules (Chair)

Remember that if you have a question during the day, you can
raise your placards and make a point of inquiry. A point of
inquiry is a question about procedure and its directed to me,
the Chair. After speakers have finished speaking and when you
are not interrupting anyone, you raise your placard like this
and say, Honorable Chair, the delegation from, for example,
Ghana, has a point of inquiry.
o Now, a point of personal privilege is something you say
when you are uncomfortable. Delegates should use
points of privilege when, for example, you wish the
speaker to speak louder or request quiet in the room. If
you need to go to the bathroom, you do NOT need to
raise your placard and make a point of personal
privilege. Just go quietly!
o A point of order is what you should say if you believe I,
the Chair, have made a mistake in procedure. You can
raise your placard and say point of order while
someone is speaking, BUT its better to wait until the
speaker has finished. An example of the time for a point
of order would be if the Chair called on the wrong
speaker.
o At our meeting, yields can be made after a speaker
finishes. If you have extra time left at the end of your
speech, you can yield that time to another delegate, to
questions, or to the Chair. If you yield to the Chair, that
effectively ends your time. If you yield to questions, other
delegations can make points of information. However, if
you do not yield to questions, other delegations may not
make points of information.
o Remember that when you enter the doors to this room
you are only allowed to speak in English. If we hear you
speaking in Spanish, you will be unable to receive an
award.
o Do you have any questions?
Introduction of topic: The chair should write a 3-5
minute intro on the topic and introduce the previously
decided upon sub-topics

Our topic today is Remember that these topics are simply

guidelines and that it will be up to you all to determine which
you would like to focus on given your countries interests. Most
importantly, we would like to encourage you to work hard,
respect each other and have fun!

9:15Call Roll
Chair: Roll Call is the part of the meeting where we see who is
present and who is missing. We will call roll each time after
returning from a break. Sara, your rapporteur, will be in
charge of calling roll.
Rapporteur: I will now call the roll. Please answer Present
when your country is called.
o Rapporteurs: Remember to repeat what they say!
Rapporteur: Australia
Delegate: Present
Rapporteur: Australia is present.
If a country does not respond when called once, repeat
the country name again. If no one answers
after the second time, you may say, (Country X) is not
present.

List of countries:
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Austria
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Belgium
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Botswana
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
El Salvador
Ecuador
Japan
Chair: We now have quorum in this committee, and we can
begin the meeting. With 19 delegations present, it will require

10 delegations to reach a majority, and 13 delegations to reach

a 2/3 majority. Id like to call for decorumthat is, proper
debate etiquette. You may not speak unless called on by the
chair. Be respectful to your fellow delegates and their opinions.
Look for positive solutions and avoid negative language. We
are looking for teams that are respectful and work together
with other delegations. It is OK if you whisper quietly to your
partner, but that should be the only talking we hear.
If you want to talk to another delegation or the DAIS use a
note. A note is a way to contact the Dais if you want to be
added to or removed from the speakers list or if you think we
have done something incorrectly. And it is a way to contact
another country if you want to ask them a question or talk
about collaboration. Darshali, our helper, will collect your note,
read over it, and then bring it to the correct recipient. We will
be reading all notes, so make sure that they are appropriate
and in English!

9:30Set the Speakers List (Chair)

We will now open the speakers list. Speakers list is the
default type of debate. By placing your country on the
speakers list, you will be able to give a one minute and thirty
second speech to share your countrys policy with all of the
other delegates. The speakers list is a great time to make
opening remarks about your delegations stance. Your speech
should focus on stating your countrys positions and offering
recommendations for action.
o Just a reminder, this is how you make a motion for a
speakers list: I move to open the speakers list for a
speaking time of 1 min and 30 sec. At this time are there
any motions to open the speakers list for a speaking time
of 1 and a half minutes? Is there a second? (Vote - simple
majority needed)
o I now declare the Speakers list open (bang the gavel).
(Name of Delegation) since you opened the Speakers
List you will be placed first on the list.
o We will now place other countries on the Speakers List.
All countries who would like to be on the Speakers List,
please raise your placards.
Start to acknowledge delegates for the Speakers
List (dais members can help with this).
When adding students to the Speakers List, BE
FAIR. Make sure you are adding delegates from
each region and each side of the room (vary the
types of countries, too).
Do not go too fast, as it will be difficult for the
Staff/Rap to hear all of the countries being called.
You may limit the number and times a country is on
the Speakers List.

o There will be other opportunities to get on the Speakers

List later. You may ask to be added to the list at any time
during the meeting, by sending a note up to the Chair. It
should say, for example, the delegation from the United
Kingdom would like to be added to the Speakers List.
Calling on Speakers (Chair)
Now we will begin with the speakers list. All other delegates,
you should be listening to the speaker. Take out your notebooks
and write down notes on the speeches from other countries. In
your notes, focus on:
o Does my country agree with this countrys policies?
o Why or why not?
o Also, note if you would like to write draft resolutions with
the country. You will be able to talk about this during
informal debate.
o Speakers, remember that this is your time to make
opening remarks about your countrys stance. If you have
a pre-written opening speech, remember to look at the
audience and not only look at your paper. You will be
facing the delegates when you speak.
o Delegation from ____, you have the floor for one and a
half minutes. When you have ten seconds left, Sara, your
rapporteur will tap the gavel once. When your time is
over, Sara will tap the gavel twice. Please come up to the
front and take floor.
When giving a delegate the floor, state, Honorable delegate of (x),
you have the floor for (x) minutes.
After a Delegate Speaks
When a delegate has ten seconds left, the Rapporteur gives a
light tap with the gavel.
o If you see a delegate is about to end, but will run a few
seconds over their time, let them finish.
o Chair, after first speaker: Thank you delegation from ___
for being so brave as to speak first.
If necessary: Would you like to yield to questions,
another delegate or to the Chair?
Yield to the Chair: The floor has been yielded to
the Chair. Is there any country that would like to
request the floor for a point or motion?
The Chair recognizes the delegation from ____.
(Please take the floor.)
Yield to another country: This yielding is in
order. ...(country name), you have the floor. Please
begin.

Yield to questions: The speaker is open to points of

information. Are there any points of information
from the floor?
Take only 3 points of information: You have
taken three points of information. You now
need to yield the floor to the chair or to
another country. What would you like to do?
After a delegate speaks, say, Thank you, honorable
delegate. You may take your seat. Are there any
points or motions on the floor at this time? If there
are outstanding point or motions, proceed with
them. If not, continue on to the next delegate and
say, Seeing none, delegation from (x), you have
the floor for one and a half minutes.
After every few speakers, remind delegates that
they may add themselves to the Speakers List. Are
there any delegations that would like to be added
to the Speakers List at this time?
Try to get everyone on the Speakers List at
least once. We see some delegations have
not yet been added to the list. Would they like
to be added to have a chance to share their
position?

After about 8-10 Speakers Moderated Caucus (Chair)

During MC, simply have the students stand in place when
speaking. You do not need to come to the front of the room to
speak.
After about 10 speakers:
o At this time, the chair would look favorably upon a
motion to move into a 10 minute moderated caucus, with
a speaking time of 45 seconds. During a moderated
caucus, the Chair calls on delegations one-by-one so that
they can address the committee in short speeches. You
delegates should focus on possible solutions, ways to
compromise. Look at your notes and respond to the ideas
that other countries offered in their speeches. Take more
notes and try to identify allies.
o Just a reminder, this is how you make a motion for a
moderated caucus: I move to suspend debate for the
purpose of a moderated caucus, with a total time of ___
and a speaking time of ___. A good total time would be
10 or 15 minutes, and a good speaking time for the
moderated caucus would be 30 seconds, 45 seconds, or 1
minute. The delegation who makes the motion to suspend
debate will speak first during the moderated caucus.
o So, are there any outstanding points or motions on the
floor?

o The chair recognizes the delegation from _______

Motion is made. There is a motion on the floor to move
into a _______ minute moderated caucus with a speaking
time of _______. Is there a second? All in favor? (If the
majority does not elect to move into a MC, return to the
speakers list).
o Right before we go into the caucus, I would like to
remind you that after the caucus, when we return to the
Speakers List, your speeches must focus on the ideas
and suggestions from the caucus, or things you feel were
not discussed in caucus and you want to remind your
fellow delegates of, but your should not be reciting your
opening speech. So, take notes and pay attention during
the caucus.
o (Also, please remember that during moderated caucuses,
I will be calling on every delegation at least once so that
everyone has the opportunity to speak.)
o I now declare we have moved into a moderated caucus.
When you speak, stand in place. (Delegation), since you
made the motion you get to speak first
o (If they are having a great discussion, give the option to
extend the caucus)
Returning from a Moderated Caucus (Chair)
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and views. You
offered some interesting views on the problem and possible
solutions, such as..
The time for the moderated caucus has now expired. We will
now return to the Speakers List. Remember, your speeches
should focus on the results of the moderated caucus and the
ideas you just discussed. You should not be delivering your
opening speech.
(Speakers List): Delegation from ___, you now have the floor.
o (If necessary: Would you like to yield to questions,
another delegate, or the chair?) Thank you, honorable
delegates. Are there any outstanding points or motions?
Seeing none
Unmoderated Caucus (Chair and Dais)
After about 2-3 speeches: The chair would look favorably upon
a motion for an unmoderated caucus. The unmoderated caucus
is informal debate. During unmoderated caucuses, the
committee breaks for a temporary recess. We stop formal
debate so that delegates can meet with each other and discuss
ideas.
o Talk to other delegations in your regional blocs and find
the delegates who shared similar positions when they
spoke from the Speakers List.

o Start putting ideas together on paper, creating a draft

resolutionyour first draft for a resolution. Working
papers do not need to be typed.
You can enter an unmoderated caucus by making a motion. You
say, I move to suspend debate for the purpose of an
unmoderated caucus, with a total time of ___. A good length for
an unmoderated caucus is between 10 and 15 minutes. Are
there any outstanding points or motions on the floor?
Remember to only speak in English during this unmoderated
caucus
o During the UC, all dais staff members should be off the
dais working with the delegates and listening to their
caucuses. If you see the delegates not working,
encourage them to participate. Ask them questions about
their policy, etc. At no time during the unmoderated
caucus should the entire dais be outside of the room. The
evaluators should never find themselves alone with the
students in the conference rooms.

Returning from an Unmoderated Caucus (Chair)

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and views. You just
discussed many solutions and recommendations, such as ___.
Now, share your new ideas with the rest of the body, using the
Speakers List or moderated caucuses.
o (Speakers List) Delegation from ___, you now have the
floor.
o Thank you, honorable delegates. Are there any
outstanding points or motions? Seeing none
o (You should have 1 more MC before break).
11:00Before snack: Motion to adjourn the debate for the purpose
of a 30-minute snack break. Remind students to leave their placards
during the break!
11:00 11:30 Snack Break - Put placards in reverse alphabetical
order
After snack break:
11:30Writing/Combining Draft Resolutions
Chair: In the last session of debate, the Chair observed good
(interaction between delegates, etc.). These were some ideas
we discussed
Now in this session we would like to see (working to
collaborate for constructive solutions, not just sanctions or
monetary aid; focus on realistic solutions on both sides of the
problem, etc.). In this session you will be writing your
resolutions in unmoderated caucuses.
o We will now call the roll. Roll Callrapporteur

Chair: Your director Danny will now explain the process of

writing and turning in resolutions.
Director: explanation of resolutions. (what is their purpose)
o Explain to the delegates the difference between a
sponsor and a signatory.
o Heading, preambulatory phrases, operative phrases,
o Directors should not be too hasty to accept a resolution.
If it is 11 a.m. and you have a resolution, it is OK to wait
and see if other delegates are writing something.
o If you have two draft resolutions similar in nature, you
should have the resolutions combined. Guide the
delegates along the best way of doing this.
o Remind delegates that they should combine resolutions
because they will gain more support and votes by doing
so. Do not be scared to guide the delegates on substance.
However, do not tell them what to say.
Esteemed delegates: You are now working on writing
resolutions, which will be the end result of todays conference.
Resolutions are suggestions for action and although they
should be as specific as possible, they should also be universal.
Avoid writing resolutions that are too specific to one country;
you should be able to generate ideas that many countries can
benefit from and many countries can help with.
o Now, Id like to remind you of what a resolution will look
like. In the first two lines, you will note the sponsors and
the signatories. Sponsors are the countries who write the
resolution and it will likely include 3-4 countries. After
the sponsors write the resolution, they will discuss their
ideas with other delegates to find other delegates that
support their ideas. These other delegates are called
signatories, which are countries that may not completely
agree with everything in the resolution, but would like to
see it debated. In order for your resolution to be
considered, you need to have 20% of the room agree with
your resolution. This means that you need 4 (change
depending on committee) signatories. Remember, you
can only sponsor one resolution, but you can be a
signatory as many times as you want. So, to review,
sponsors are the countries that write the resolution and
signatories are the countries that sign the resolution
because they would like to see it debated.
o The resolution has 2 major parts, aside from the
heading, which we will format for you. The first section
has the preambulatory phrases. These are phrases that
tell us the reasons why you are writing the resolutions.
All of these phrases will start with gerunds, such as
reminding, noting, pointing out, etc. The second section
has operative phrases. These are phrases that tell us
what you suggest that the General Assembly does. This

should be written in the third person and should use

words that suggest, not demand.
Speakers List(2 or 3 speeches)
o At this time we will return to the Speakers List.
Delegation from ___, you now have the floor.
o Thank you, honorable delegates. Are there any
outstanding points or motions? Seeing none
Final caucuses: move for UC (to write draft resolutions), then
MC (to discuss resolutions, try to help the delegates narrow
down to two), then UC to write, discuss, and finalize
resolutions
o 12:00At this time, the Chair would look favorably upon
a motion to suspend the debate for the purpose of an
unmoderated caucus of 30 minutes for the purpose of
writing draft resolutions.
o 12:30moderated caucus (15 minutes) Inform delegates
that we will only be accepting two draft resolutions, so
they should combine resolutions, think of strategies to
work together
We have noticed that you have been discussing (x)
aspects of the problem. The chair would look
favorably upon a moderated caucus of 15 minutes
to discuss other aspects of the issue that you have
not addressed so far, for example(x) issues
o 12:45final unmoderated caucusesthe chair would
look favorably upon a motion to suspend the debate for
the purpose of an UC of 30-45 minutes. Delegates should
be combining resolutions at this time. The chair reminds
the delegates that they must turn in any draft resolutions
to the director by 13:30, before we break for lunch. The
delegates must choose who we will be presenting the
draft resolutions to the committee and should circle the
names when they turn it in to the Director.

Approving a Draft Resolution (Director and Staff)

After you approve a draft resolution, give it to the committees
Administrative Assistant to type (or staff member delegated to
do so). Meg will type resolutions during lunch, bring them to
be photocopied, and put them on the projector screen so that
we can see them after lunch.
Do not forget to assign the draft resolution a number Assign
numbers as follows: Committee/DR#/Topic
Only accept two resolutions
13:30Before lunch: motion to adjourn the debate for the purpose of
a 45-minute lunch break.
13:30-14:15 Lunch (Staff types resolutions and photocopies them)
13:30 Chair, director and judge vote for best delegation, etc.

13:45 Chair goes to Room 1.1, Director/Staff choose and type

resolutions
14:00 Turn in resolutions to photocopy
14:15Return from lunch. Debating and voting on resolutions
Chair: In the last session, you submitted a number of very
interesting and thoughtful resolutions, which deal with (many
aspects of the issue and offer some imaginative and realistic
recommendations for action). Now we will be introducing and
debating those draft resolutions. At the end of this session, we
will pass resolutions. Your director Danny will now explain the
process of introducing resolutions and making amendments.
o Explanation of how we will introduce resolutions,
friendly/unfriendly amendments, what an amendment is,
how voting works.
o We will introduce the draft resolutions by letting you all
read over them individually. You will have the opportunity
to ask the sponsors questions about the resolution, then
we will discuss the resolutions. The sponsors will get a
chance to explain and defend their ideas. Then, we will
address possible amendments. An amendment is a
change to the resolution. It can be a change of wording,
ideas, or a number that you disagree with. As you are
reading through the resolution, make note of any
amendments you may want to make and we will consider
them later.
o After the sponsors explain their resolution, you can write
amendments. If all of the sponsors agree with your
amendment, the change is made immediately and no vote
is needed. This is called a friendly amendment.
o If, however, one or more of the sponsors disagree with
the amendment, we will vote on it as an assembly. This is
called an unfriendly amendment. If it is an unfriendly
amendment, we, the Dais, ask that you have at least one
other country sign that they are in agreement with your
amendment.
o There are no set rules for writing amendments, but all
amendments must be brought to me, the Director. I will
stay up front during the unmoderated caucus so you can
find me.
o As soon as we are done discussing the resolutions and
amendments, we will vote on them. If an amendment is
friendly, the change will be made immediately to the
resolution. If it is unfriendly, then we will vote on the
amendment as a committee before moving on to the next
amendment. Then we will make any necessary changes
to Resolution 1. Finally, we will vote on the edited
Resolution 1. This process will be repeated for Resolution

2. First we will vote on the amendments for Resolution 2;

then we will edit Resolution 2 and vote on Resolution 2.
o When we vote, you will have 3 voting options:
If your country supports an amendment or
resolution as it is, you should vote FOR it and you
should say yay.
If your country is opposed to an amendment or
resolution in full or part, you should vote AGAINST
it and you should say nay.
If you arent sure how to vote, you can ABSTAIN
from voting. But, it should be noted that an
abstention vote will be counted as an AGAINST
vote. If you want to abstain, you should say
abstain.
So, the options of how to vote are: yay, nay, and
abstain. The chair will ask all those who vote yay
to raise their placards. The rapporteur will count
the number of delegates voting yay. This process
will then be repeated for abstain and nay. At
the end, they will count the votes. In order for a
resolution to pass, a vote of more than 50% is
needed.
We will give all delegations 5 minutes to quietly
read over and make notes on the resolutions.
Chair: At this time we will suspend debate for the purpose of
introducing resolutions

14:30Introducing a Draft Resolution/Writing Amendments

(Director)
The first resolution up for debate is Number
Debate time for and against this resolution will be set at 10
minutes in the form of a moderated caucus.
We will begin by having the resolution read out loud. Will the
sponsor of the resolution please take the floor to read ONLY
the operative clauses of resolution.
You are allowed five points of information regarding this
resolution. Are there any points of information on the floor?
(Call on countries if not: There is a point of information from
_____. Please state your point.)
We will now begin a 10 minute moderated caucus with a
speaking time of 30 seconds, to discuss this resolution.
Debate time for this resolution has expired.
Move to 10 minute unmoderated caucus to write amendments
and gain support for amendments This is just a reminder that
there are both friendly and unfriendly amendments. If the
sponsors all agree to your amendment, then the change is
made immediately. Talk to the sponsors to try to convince them
to approve your amendment. If one or more of them disagree,

it is an unfriendly amendment and we will vote on it later. In

this case, you should talk to other delegates in the room to gain
support for your amendment. Whenever you finish writing an
amendment, bring it to me.
15:00Repeat for Draft Resolution 2
15:30 Preparation to Vote
The Chair would look favorably upon the delegates taking out
a sheet of paper and marking down how they are going to vote
for all of the amendments and the resolution. I will now read
through all of the suggested amendments and you should mark
down on your paper how you think you will vote. I will then
look favorably upon moving into a 5 minute unmoderated
caucus to meet with other countries in your bloc to discuss how
you are going to vote.
(Project amendments so students can read them)
15:45 Closing Debate (Chair)
The Chair would look favorably upon a motion to close debate
and move into voting procedure. This process means that we
will end debate completely. We will first vote on amendments,
and then vote on resolutions. During voting, no one may leave
the room.
There is a motion to close debate and move into voting
procedure. Is there a second? We will now take a vote. This
motion needs a two-thirds majority to pass.
15:50 Voting (Chair)
We will now move into voting procedure. Countries should be
aware that there are three voting options.
Your country should vote FOR the resolution if you support it
fully as it is.
Your country should vote AGAINST the resolution if you are
opposed to it in full or part
Your country can ABSTAIN from voting if you are unsure of
how to vote. But, it needs to be noted that an abstention vote
will be counted as an against vote.
Keep in mind that, in order for a resolution to pass, a vote of
more than 50 % is required.
o Amendments for Res 1; Res 1; Amendments for Res 2;
Res 2
o Friendly amendments: Immediately added.
o Unfriendly amendments are voted on immediately
(before next amendment)
o If there are unfriendly amendments: At this time we will
vote on Amendment X, Resolution X. All in favor? All
opposed? (Rapporteur will tally).

If Majority in favor: We have reached a majority

and the amendment will be adopted
If majority opposed: We have not reached a
majority and the amendment will not be adopted.
If lots of time, perform a roll call vote in which
each delegation is called upon individually and
answers yay, nay, or abstain. Otherwise
simply have delegations raise their placards as
follows.
At this time, we are voting on resolution (x). All countries
voting FOR this resolution, please raise your placards. (A
count of votes for is taken and recorded by Rapporteur.
Chairperson does not comment on numbers at this point.)
Rapporteur records numbers.
o All countries voting AGAINST this resolution, please
raise your placards. (A count of votes against is taken
and recorded. Chairperson does not comment on
numbers at this point.) Rapporteur records numbers.
o All countries voting ABSTAINING this resolution, please
raise your placards. (A count of votes is taken and
recorded. Chairperson does not comment on numbers at
this point.) Rapporteur records numbers.
o When the votes are fully tabulated and the final result is
sure...) This resolution passes/fails with a vote of ...
FOR, ... AGAINST, and ... ABSTENTIONS.

16:10- Motion to Adjourn Debate

Congratulate the delegates on their hard work and
participation in the conference.
If no resolution was passed, explain to the delegates that this
is OK. Their performance will not be judged based on the
passing of resolutions, but rather on how well they performed
in representing their country and its position.
Motion to adjourn meeting until GC next year!
o I hereby officially conclude the Madrid Global
Classrooms Preliminary Conferences.
Be sure delegates take all their things and clean up the room
16:30 End of Conferences!