Students - Tips for Competition
By Sara Hoon
Mastering the role-play situation is one of the most important
steps in becoming a successful DECA competitor. It takes consistency,
hard work, fast thinking, and skillful presentation skills
in order to place among the top in the nation. Understanding
what is expected in a role-play is something everyone should
learn first. Here is some background information:
- You have 8 - 10 minutes to prepare your case problem.
- You have 8 - 10 minutes to present the case problem.
- You have on average (5) competencies that you are evaluated
on.
- The case problem will include all information needed to
present.
- The case problem deals with everyday business situations
or topics you will have covered in your business/marketing
class.
Once you sit down to prepare the role play you must read
the competencies and the role-play carefully in order to fully
grasp who you are, who the judge is, what you need to solve
or address in the role-play, and whether the role-play asks
you to make an additional plan that is not covered with the
competencies. After reading and analyzing the information
begin to think of a plan or solution that will cover ALL
of your competencies. Once you have come up with something
creative and original write down the ideas so you won't forget
them when it comes time to present. Sometimes you aren't allowed
to take the case problem into the role-play so it is advisable
to write down your competencies and their sub points so you
don't forget to cover them.
 Once you are in the role-play make sure you introduce yourself
and what you are going to cover. Make sure to guide the judge
through the competency transitions smoothly. Smile, talk slowly,
and involve the judge whenever possible. Giving an energetic,
powerful, yet professional and knowledgeable presentation
will sure to put you in the top of your event. Be sure to
watch your time so you don't get cut off before you cover
all your points. The most important tip to remember is to
have fun!
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By Sara Hoon
 All
individual events, team events, and the majority of the written
events involve a hundred question, timed test. These are area-based
tests that are designed to test your knowledge of your area.
Scoring well on the test is one of the most vital parts of
winning because the test score carries through to finals.
The test covers both general concepts and area concepts. So
it is important to study several different areas to be a well-rounded
test taker. The testing times can range from 60 - 90 minutes;
so it's important to ask how long you have to take the test,
and watch your time closely so you don't finish too early
or go too slow that you have to rush through the last few
questions on the test.
The tests are always multiple choice. So it is advisable
to read the question carefully and slowly and then pick the
best answer. If you aren't sure as to what the answer is then
use process of elimination to narrow down the choices and
make the best guess from there.
An example test question would be:
| 1. A company the requests that its print
ads run on the second page of the newspaper is making
a request for ad |
| A. inserts |
C. rates |
| B. position |
D. circulation |
Answer: B; Position. Position refers to the location
of an ad in a publication.
If you're not a great test taker that is fine, but remember
not to let it get you down. Just close your eyes, breathe,
and give it your best shot.
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| For
more information on Wyoming DECA, please contact State
Advisor Mary Hopper at (307) 237-5471 or at mhopper_2000@yahoo.com. |
|
