Join the ASA

How to Join: The ASA Audition

One short audition gets you into the MUN after-school activity. You give a solo talk: you pick an issue the UN could debate, you have three minutes maximum to present it, then you answer the panel's questions for two minutes. No MUN experience needed. Selection for the New York trip is separate, and you will find it with the conference itself in the Calendar.

What we are actually testing

Can you explain a real global issue clearly, hold a room for three minutes, and think on your feet when you are questioned. You do not need any MUN experience. You need a clear voice and an issue you care about.

Your three minutes, structured
0:00–0:30 Name the issueSay what it is in one or two sentences. Who does it affect? Where?
0:30–1:30 Why it mattersGive the cause and the consequence. State one fact or figure you can hold in your head.
1:30–2:30 What could be doneOffer one or two realistic solutions the UN or member states could act on.
2:30–3:00 CloseOne sentence on why this belongs on the UN agenda. Then stop.
The two minutes of questions

The panel will push on your idea: a counterargument, a "what about...", a request to go deeper. Stay calm. You can buy a second with "That is a fair point. My response is...". We are watching how you think, not whether you know everything. It is fine to concede a point and still defend your position.

The Rules

✔ Three minutes maximum. We stop you at 3:00.
✔ One index card of notes is allowed.
✔ No slides. No script read word for word.
✔ Pick an issue you can explain to a Grade 8 audience.

Issues You Could Choose

These are just examples to spark ideas. Pick one, or choose a different issue you care about. Local or global both work.

  • Water and food security in the Gulf
  • Migrant worker rights and labour reform
  • Plastic waste in the Arabian Gulf
  • Education for children in conflict zones
  • Rules for artificial intelligence
  • Climate adaptation in desert nations

Before You Walk In

  • One clear issue, not three.
  • One fact or figure from memory.
  • At least one realistic solution.
  • Timed at home, under three minutes.
  • Ready for two questions you did not expect.
Questions? Just ask

Talk to me before you audition

If you have any questions or doubts about the audition or about joining, please get in touch. There is no such thing as a silly question. You can reach me through the contact page.

You will know the dates well ahead of time. We put up posters around school and post the audition and selection dates on ManageBac, so watch both.