WICKMUN is a non-profit project promoting Model United Nations (MUN).
Model United Nations (MUN) is an activity in which students role play delegates from UN member states and simulate UN committees where current issues are debated. This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which are organised by many schools and universities.
MUN can help you gain or develop a very interesting skill set for your curriculum vitae since MUN involves substantial research, drafting, critical thinking, teamwork, deliberation, negotiation, conflict resolution and leadership skills. During the conference, you look at issues from multiple points of view, listen actively, show empathy, resolve conflicts and learn to take effective notes, thus growing in confidence, developing persuasive skills and developing your ability to show grace under pressure. You also learn a lot about current affairs in a fun way and make many new friends from other schools. A key benefit of MUN is that it provides you with a huge opportunity to focus on your public speaking skills throughout the conference.
Simon Lancaster, Director of Bespoke Speechwriting Consultancy and writer of speeches for many top politician and businesses, points out in his Tedx Verona presentation (Sunday 24 April 2016) that Eton College is the only school in the UK where rhetoric is taught as part of the curriculum.
The UK has had fifty-four prime ministers since parliament began - nineteen of these prime ministers are alumni of Eton College. There is a clear link between the strong public speaking skills gained at Eton College and the future success in life of a huge number of its alumni.
Jesse Norman, MP and former Eton student, claims that Eton is special because it realizes that "rhetoric and poetry and public speaking and performance are incredibly important to young people succeeding in life" (The Guardian, Saturday 27 April 2013) - read the full article.
It is not an accident when people are greatest speakers - they have worked on their skills for years. You can work on your skills too. MUN conferences and declamation contests are two great opportunities to do that.