MUN can be stressful and nerve-wracking. Every new delegate has concerns about what their first committee will be like, but there are ways to overcome these fears. Here are a few fears new delegates often have and some tips to help you overcome them:
“WHAT IF I GOT NERVOUS?”
When I first started MUN, my biggest fear was that I was going to mess up and embarrass myself in front of everyone. The best way to overcome this fear is to practice and prepare. Always have an idea of what you’re going to say, whether you write it out or have it in your head. Practice speaking whenever you can, even if it’s just in front of the mirror.
There’s no way to absolutely prevent tripping over your words or forgetting what you want to say, but that’s okay. Everyone messes up at some point. You just have to come back stronger the next time.
Find others who have done MUN before, and talk to them about it. I know the thing that helped me before my first committee was talking to one of my friends, who had been part of MUN for years. Over time, you’ll realize that it is easy to catch on in MUN, as long as you pay attention.
Not everyone is going to love MUN, and that’s fine. However, every delegate I spoken to that has stuck with MUN doesn’t do it for their resume or their college applications. They do it because it’s a meaningful experience in many ways.
MUN can increase your confidence, introduce you to new people and take you all over the world. You can experience new cultures and meet people from every city in every state, while learning about modern issues and developing ways to solve them. Overall, MUN is an learning experience. Don’t let your fears get in the way!
