I'm pretty much in a dilemma right now. My first Model UN conference is tomorrow, and I don't think I've prepared well at all. I've only started researching a few days ago since I've been on vacation for most of the summer and I hadn't realized the extent of how much I would need to research. I'm not expecting to do the best at the conference at this point; I just want to make the best of my circumstances as of now. Our teacher hasn't been taking the conference as something really important and she only sent us important information regarding the conference a week ago. I'm incredibly worried and I really don't want to embarrass myself in front of a lot of people. Moreover, I'm representing the US at the conference, which seems to play a big role in all of my committee's topics...

Any suggestions?

Also, is speaking still optional even if you're representing an influential country such as the US...? It's not that I don't mind speaking, I just feel that my knowledge on the subject is insufficient.

Thank you!