Say less. Move the room.
Description
How to build an opening speech that gives people something to remember.
One speech, one useful idea
Decide what you want another delegate to remember after your speech. A clear proposal gives the room something to discuss. Trying to explain every part of the topic usually leaves no time to explain any part well.
A structure you can use
Use four short moves: name the problem, explain your country’s stake, propose a response, and invite cooperation. For example, on disaster preparedness, you might propose a regional early-warning partnership and ask interested states to discuss funding during caucus.
Use evidence you understand and can attribute. Say what the number measures, when it was collected, and why it supports your proposal. Avoid a dramatic statistic that you cannot explain when questioned.
Practice for the time you actually have
Read the speech aloud with a timer. Leave a few seconds for a pause or an unfamiliar word. Cut repeated introductions and broad statements before cutting the specific proposal.
Speak to the room instead of the page. Mark two places to look up and one place to pause. A calm delivery gives your audience time to follow the idea.
Listen after you speak
Notice which delegates respond to your proposal and which concerns they raise. Your next speech should advance that conversation. Good debate develops an idea over time.