Competition Tips

While competition can be intimidating at first, it is a great experience that will help you develop a variety of skills. Below are 10 tips to win a DECA role play. Click here for more resources.

1 Play a Character

Show an understanding of the scenario by playing the character. For example, introduce yourself by saying,"Hi! I'm Pam, Manager of Elite Automotive," or, "As an employee at Waldo's World, I am grateful for the opportunity I have to meet with you today".

2 Explain Each Performance Indicator

Example: Determine factors affecting business risk

"While there are a number of factors that affect our level of risk, we must be able to distinguish between natural, economic, and human risks. Human risks are the most likely threat to our business. In this case, with proper employee training and clearly communicated store policies, we can protect ourselves against lawsuits and potential theft"

3 Use Visual Aids

Visuals make you stand out and often express your ideas more clearly. Examples include lists of goals and objectives, slogans or logo drawings, store layouts, diagrams or organizers, pros vs cons charts, budget sheet, graphs, calendar, contract, advertisements, and many more!

Be Creative and Innovative

4 Think outside the box. 

Judges see a lot of role plays and do not want to sit through the same presentation for all of them.

5 Be Realistic

Budgets should not be too big or too small. You cannot give everything away for free. Celebrities/famous people do not want to help you. Just because you promote or create something, doesn't GUARANTEE customers will buy it. Most companies do not make money their first year.

6 Use Business Vocab

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), Marketing Mix (4 P's), Promotional Mix (advertising, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing, personal selling), Cost/Benefit Analysis, Strategic Plan (market research, marketing strategies, implementation, assess outcomes), etc.

7 Be Confident

Handshake, eye contact, posture, no "ums" or "likes", smile, be self-assured.

8 Be Organized

Introduce yourself. State the problem. List your goals and objectives. Discuss your plan in FULL DETAIL. Determine the advantages and disadvantages- costs, timeline, risks. Closing statement and follow-up meeting.

9 Go Beyond the Scenario

Add the costs or a budget. Create a timeline or organizational chart. Implement an employee training or staff meeting to prevent future problems. Suggest a long term strategic plan (looking ahead).

10 Have a Strong Closing

Summarize what you have talked about. Lead into the judges questions. For example, "I would love to answer any questions you might have". Stay in character. Ask for a follow-up meeting, indicate you will have your secretary call them back, or leave them a business card. End with a strong handshake.