Hello Reader,
A well-timed question can do more than just clarify a point—it can shift the direction of debate, challenge assumptions, and even strengthen your bloc’s position. The Q&A period during a Model UN session is one of the most valuable moments to showcase your engagement and strategic thinking.
But how you frame your questions makes all the difference.
Why Q&A Sessions Matter
After a resolution is introduced, or during Crisis Committees, the floor often opens for questions. This is your chance to show critical thinking, reinforce your bloc’s stance, and challenge opposing ideas without directly attacking them.
Well-phrased questions can:
✅ Clarify key points – Ensuring resolutions and policies are fully developed.
✅ Highlight contradictions – Gently exposing weaknesses in an opponent’s argument.
✅ Steer the debate – Shifting focus to areas where your bloc has a stronger position.
How to Frame Your Questions for Maximum Impact
The way you phrase your question affects how it's perceived by the room. Here are a few techniques:
1. Clarification Questions 🤔
These questions help you and others understand a proposal more fully while subtly highlighting gaps.
🗣 Example: “Your resolution mentions financial aid to developing nations. Could you elaborate on the funding mechanism to ensure long-term sustainability?”
Why it works: This puts the speaker in a position where they must explain further—if they haven’t thought it through, it becomes obvious.
Pro tip: Make them compare weaker parts of their resolution to stronger parts of yours. For example, if your resolution has more of a focus on well-thought out funding mechanisms, you could also note that their resolution "doesn't place as much emphasis on financial aid as X resolution - could you explain why?"
2. Challenge Questions ⚡
If a proposal seems flawed or impractical, a carefully worded challenge question can bring attention to its weaknesses.
🗣 Example: "Your proposal relies on voluntary contributions from developed nations. Given past inconsistencies in funding, how will you ensure sustained financial support?”
Why it works: This forces the speaker to address a known issue, prompting either a solid response or exposing a flaw.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to use emotive language in your questions, it can help re-engage people who might not be paying attention. If you start your question by saying "I am really concerned by x" or "the x mechanism carries frightening implications for people who life in y" people will start listening again.
3. Expansion Questions 🌍
These encourage the speaker to consider overlooked aspects of their proposal.
🗣 Example: “Your resolution focuses on immediate crisis response. Have you considered incorporating preventative measures to mitigate future risks?”
Why it works: Even if the speaker has considered it, this question allows them to expand on their argument, demonstrating your engagement.
Best Practices for Effective Questioning
🔹 No Matter What - Maintain a Neutral Tone – Avoid sounding overly aggressive; diplomacy is key.
🔹 Be Clear and Concise – Long-winded or vague questions will lose the room’s attention.
🔹 Use Open-Ended Questions – Yes/no questions won’t spark meaningful discussion.
