Debate: Delegates giving speeches, discussing the topic at hand. Very strict.
Caucus: A more informal discussion of the topic at hand, outside of the framework of speeches. Can be informal, unstructured discussion time.
Resolution: A document that the committee votes upon, as their agreed course of action to deal with an issue.
Decorum: A call to order in your committee, chairs will say this (and shout it if they need to) if delegates did not respond to tapping of the gavel.
Placard: A large piece of paper displaying the name of the country a delegation is representing. Delegates use this to signal votes, and to call the attention of the Dais for a point or motion.
Gavel: The Chair’s instrument of power. They tap it on the table to get the attention of the committee.
Quorum: 1/4 of the nations on the committee that are on the Roll Call Sheet.
Observer Nation: Nation (ex: Palestine) that cannot vote on substantive proposals and cannot be sole sponsors of proposal.
Table: Literally, it is what is in front of you. The phrase, “The motion on the table is to…” means that this is the motion currently under consideration.
Floor: The other side of the Dais, figuratively. Basically, the floor is where delegates are (opposed to the dais). The phrase, “What other resolutions are on the floor?” asks delegates what resolutions are still out there, that haven’t been approved by the Dais.
Preambulatory: A clause in a resolution that does not take action, but explains the situation, and background information. It cannot be amended in any way after it has been written, other than for grammatical errors. They come before operative clauses, and are not numbered.
Operative: A clause in a resolution that takes action, and outlines solutions or plans of action. They may be amended, and are numbered.
Substitution: To switch power among chairs. The Chair may also hand over the control of the committee to representatives of the Secretary General for brief written and oral statements.
Substantive: A document pertaining to the question being discussed by the committee, such as a resolution. A substantive motion is a motion pertaining to the passage or amendment of such a document. Delegates may abstain from substantive votes if they are not present and voting. Substantive Proposals are resolutions and amendments.
Procedural: A point or motion pertaining to the function of the committee, such as the order of agenda, speaking time, presentation of a substantive document, order of voting (not the voting itself), and suspensions of debate.