Advanced Moderated Caucus Guide

A moderated caucus is one of the most effective tools for shaping debate and building consensus in Model UN. Advanced delegates use these sessions not only to share ideas but also to drive the debate towards a specific direction, highlight key issues, and set the groundwork for resolutions.

This guide will help you refine your strategies to maximize your influence during moderated caucuses.

Our Strategies

Stay Engaged Throughout

No matter what the topic is - keep raising your placard. Take any opportunity to speak and keep your position in the forefront of other delegates mind.

Even if you’re not speaking, pay close attention to other delegates’ arguments, noting which positions align with yours and which ones are potential threats.

Consider The Timing Of Your Motions

Propose Motions Early: As soon as you have an idea of the committee’s direction, propose a motion for a mod to shift the focus toward a topic that benefits your strategy. Don't hang around or the direction of committee might go elsewhere.

Adapt to the Debate Flow: If you see that the debate is getting off track or stalled, call for a mod that refocuses the discussion. If not many people are suggesting caucuses, feel free to suggest a longer caucus time.

Check out our guide on Points and Motions Here

Framing Your Motions

Mind Your Wording: When proposing a mod, choose precise wording.

• Instead of "education reform," say "access to primary education in rural areas." Specific motions show preparation and draw attention to your ideas.

Lead with a Question: If possible, frame the mod as a question:

• “How can funding be improved for rural healthcare initiatives?” This invites responses directly tied to your focus and creates a more engaging debate.

Tie to Draft Resolutions: Propose mods that spotlight parts of your draft resolution. For example:

• “Discussing the feasibility of financial incentives for renewable energy” aligns with clauses in your draft and makes it easier to promote your ideas later.

Don't be afraid to stay general: Not every moderated Caucus needs to be super in-depth, a moderated caucus that helps the committee take account of everyone's position can be much more effective than something that is just too specific. Some examples might include:

• Understanding Member States' General Positions - "Discussing the overall priorities of member states regarding the resolution of the current crisis.
• Identifying Key Challenges - "Exploring the main obstacles preventing progress on the issue at hand."
• Broad Solutions Exploration - "Discussing general categories of solutions that the committee should consider."
• Evaluating Existing Frameworks - "Discussing the effectiveness of existing international agreements or policies related to the topic."

Speaking Strategy

Highlight Key Points: Prepare 2-3 core points that you want to convey clearly within your speaking time. Avoid rambling or introducing too many ideas at once.

Use Facts and Figures: Incorporate statistics or facts to back your arguments. This not only adds credibility but also makes your speech more persuasive and memorable.

Direct Engagement: Address specific delegates or blocs by mentioning their country names when relevant: “Building on the idea presented by France…” This shows attentiveness and helps build alliances.

Control the Narrative: If you’re among the first to speak, set the tone by framing the topic. If you’re later in the list, either build on popular arguments to align with consensus or introduce a new angle that hasn’t been considered.

Check out our guide on Moderated Caucus Speeches Here

Use Moderated Caucuses for Alliance-Building

Support Allies’ Motions: Reinforce trust with your allies by supporting their motions, even if they aren't directly related to your own strategy. This builds credibility as a collaborative delegate.

Use Moderated Caucuses to Set Up Unmoderated Caucuses

Use a mod to lay out key areas that need collaboration during an unmoderated caucus:

• “Based on this discussion, it seems we need a detailed plan for financing. I suggest we have an unmod next to work on a joint draft.”

This ensures that the transition from speaking to writing is smooth, purposeful, and productive.

Prepare for Moderated Caucuses in Advance

• Research Likely Subtopics: Before the conference, research potential subtopics that are likely to come up, and prepare possible motions accordingly.
• Prepare Rebuttals: Anticipate counterarguments to your ideas and prepare brief rebuttals that can fit into a single speaking slot.

Using a Moderated Caucus to set up a Q&A Session

Begin by motioning for a separate presentation period followed by a moderated caucus dedicated to Q&A. Clearly outline the timing for both segments.

This structured approach ensures the resolution is introduced in an organized manner while providing dedicated time for the committee to ask questions and seek clarifications.

Learn more about Q&A Sessions here

When Your Caucuses Aren't Passing

Adjusting Strategies Based on Committee Dynamics

Pivot if Necessary: If your initial moderated caucus doesn’t gain traction, adapt to the committee’s dominant themes. You can suggest follow-up mods that connect more with the majority's concerns while subtly guiding the conversation back to your core interests.

Leverage Opponents’ Arguments: If an opposing delegate dominates a mod, use your speaking turn to acknowledge and redirect their points. For instance:

• “While the delegate of Brazil raised a valid concern about costs, we should focus on how partnerships can alleviate financial burdens.”

Oppose the Power Delegate: If you notice a delegate starting to get significant traction in committee and they are having success in getting their Caucuses pass, start taking positions that diametrically oppose them.

By mastering these advanced strategies, you can not only enhance your individual performance but also drive debate toward meaningful, collaborative outcomes.

Best of luck!