Debate speech template: build your case on cue cards
A general debate case on cue cards: hook, definitions, team line, two or three arguments with evidence and impact, rebuttal space and a strong close. Works for most school formats.
Speech10 cardsAbout 1 min to speakIntermediateSchool
Model UN opening speech template
Cue cards for a Model UN opening speech: greeting the chair, your country's position, its interests and past actions, proposed solutions and an invitation to work together.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
Before you speak
- Committee: [___]
- Topic: [___]
- Country or delegation: [___]
- Speaking time: [often 60 to 90 seconds; check your conference]
Know your country's position, not your own personal view.
- 2
Greeting
"Honourable chair, distinguished delegates,"
Then a hook in one sentence:
"[Describe the human impact of the issue in a short, concrete way, without invented numbers.]"
- 3
Why it matters to your country
"For the delegation of [country], this issue is [urgent / close to home / a top priority] because [reason linked to geography, economy, population or history]."
One clear reason is enough.
- 4
Your country's position
"[Country] believes that [core position in one sentence]."
- We support: [___]
- We have concerns about: [___]
Use "the delegation of [country]" rather than "I".
- 5
What your country has done
- National action: [a law, programme or project you have verified]
- International action: [a treaty, partnership or vote]
Accurate research matters. Do not invent facts about your country.
- 6
Proposed solutions
"The delegation of [country] proposes that this committee consider:"
- [solution 1: realistic and specific]
- [solution 2]
- [optional: how it would be funded or monitored]
- 7
Call to cooperate
"[Country] looks forward to working with [region / bloc / all delegations] who share our commitment to [goal]."
"We welcome any delegation interested in drafting a resolution to [approach us / pass us a note]."
- 8
Yield
"Thank you. The delegation of [country] yields its time [back to the chair / to questions / to the delegate of ___]."
Know your conference's yield options before you stand up.
- 9
Diplomatic language
- "The delegation of [country] firmly believes..."
- "We note with concern..."
- "We are open to compromise on..."
- "We respectfully disagree with the delegate of [country] because..."
- "We urge this committee to..."
Stay formal and respectful, even in disagreement. Delegates remember tone when choosing partners.
- 10
Short version (30 seconds)
- Greeting
- Position in one sentence
- One solution
- Invitation to work together
- Yield
Use this for repeat turns on the speakers list.
How to use this template
Your opening speech at a Model UN conference is often the first time other delegates hear your country's view, and it shapes who wants to work with you. Speaking times are short, commonly around a minute, so every sentence must do a job. These cards follow the usual order: a formal greeting and a hook, why the topic matters to your country, your official position, what your country has already done, the solutions you propose, and an invitation to cooperate before you yield. A final card gives a 30-second version for later turns on the speakers list. Rules on greetings, yields and timing differ between conferences, so check your conference handbook and fill in the brackets with your own verified research.
Tips
- Speak as your country, not yourself. If your assigned country's position differs from your own view, represent it accurately and respectfully.
- Research one specific, real policy your country has. Specific facts make you credible; vague ones sound like guesses.
- Time yourself. Going over the limit can mean being cut off before your solutions, which are the most useful part.
- End with a clear invitation so delegates know you are open to blocs and co-sponsoring.
- Make eye contact with delegates from countries you want to work with. It signals interest before the first caucus.
- Print a second copy of your speech in a larger font in case the room is dim or you are nervous; it is easier to find your place at a glance.
Make it fit
- For a crisis committee, replace the past actions card with your character's immediate goals and resources.
- For a second speech after debate has started, refer to other delegates: 'We agree with the delegate of [country] on [point]'.
- For a beginner conference, the 30-second card alone is a good first speech.
- For a speech in a language other than your first, write the greeting and yield phrases out in full and keep the rest as key words.
Updated October 28, 2026