How to NOT Reply via Chit in an MUN.

Stop. You love writing chits don’t you? Well, this will be a rollercoaster ride.

You know the sight all too well. Delegates hunched over scraps of paper, furiously scribbling, folding them up, and sending them across the committee like James Bond. These are chits. They’re not villains of the committee, but they’re also not your golden ticket to Best Delegate either. While they can occasionally be useful, too many delegates make the mistake of using them as their primary form of communication.

You see, no matter how savage your comebacks look on paper, no one will hand you the Best Delegate for your ‘immaculate’ replies. They say, “When in doubt, reply via chit.” In reality, chits are best when used as a supporting tactic, not your default. Yes, you are technically communicating, but in terms of impact, it might be useless if that’s your only source of communication.

Think of it this way: chits are like seasoning in food. A little bit adds depth, too much overwhelms the dish.

The Executive Board does not grade you on your penmanship. A beautifully written note is still just a note. By choosing paper over the microphone, you are avoiding the very essence of MUN, which is public diplomacy. And finally, everyone notices. Replying via chit often sends the unspoken message: “I had something to say, but I was too hesitant to say it aloud.” 

Now, chits are not inherently evil. In fact, they’re an underrated secret weapon when used correctly. There are certain marks dedicated to either the quality or the quantity of your chits. So yes, do write POIs, answer with Reply Chits, but only when you can’t verbally do the same. That’s how one can catch the delegate off guard. Use chits to a certain extent. They need quality and intricacy. If used with precision; say, to establish rapport, to quietly challenge an argument, or to subtly build a bloc, they can give you that extra edge and help you stand out just enough to be remembered. There is one golden rule, if your chit could have been a speech, then it should have been a speech. MUN is not meant to be played from behind a notepad. 

The real platforms for replies lie elsewhere. Formal speeches in the General Speakers’ List or during moderated caucuses give you credibility. Points and motions allow you to challenge arguments. Unmoderated caucuses create the perfect space for negotiations and backroom deals. Draft resolutions or Position Papers of course, establish your stance, becoming part of the official record rather than a crumpled note in the trash.

When layered smartly on top of these contributions, chits add a personal, almost strategic touch that public speaking alone can’t always achieve. When you stop overusing chits, everyone benefits. You appear confident, vocal, and diplomatic, the very qualities that win awards. Your bloc gains strength because your speeches represent the group’s position with authority. The Executive Board benefits because they can properly evaluate your contributions without wading through endless “Do you support the CEDAW convention?” scribbles. 

The temptation to rely on chits usually comes from nerves or hesitation. And that’s okay! Answering verbally every time can feel intimidating, especially when the room is packed and all eyes are on you. In those moments, using a chit to get your point across is perfectly valid. But give yourself some grace and try verbal replies whenever you can, you’ll surprise yourself with how quickly confidence builds once you just put your placard up and speak. The key is to speak early and often. Prepare a few opening lines before the committee so you always have something ready to say. Remind yourself that the Executive Board scores what they hear, not what they read and discard. Use chits as backup, not a shield. Let them work for you, not replace you. Limit your chits to genuine necessities. Most importantly, treat your placard as your microphone and not as decoration. The earlier you contribute, the more comfortable you will feel, and the less you will need to hide behind a piece of paper.

At the end of the day, if you want to walk out of committee with the aura of Harvey Specter, speak with confidence, negotiate with skill, and slip in a chit or two like the ace up your sleeve. That’s how you balance diplomacy with strategy.