Competing can be scary just use these tips!
1. Performance Indicators
Learn your performance indicators! Not only is this a crucial part of your score, but the test is based on what you will learn by studying them. Being prepared will help you be confident and impress your judge.
2. Study Test Questions
The test is just like one in school: the more you study, the better you'll do. Practicing questions will familiarize you with questions and aid in eliminating nerves while taking the test. Try to set some time apart weekly to practice questions, and increase the frequency as you get closer to a conference.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
The most important rule when preparing for anything is to practice. Use a practice prompt to simulate a role-play. Have a friend be the judge, and then ask for feedback after you've finished. This is a great way to find areas where you can improve.
4. Create a Chart
A chart is a great way to organize information and support you while you're presenting to a judge. One method of sorting the information involves folding a piece of paper into eighths. Practice and tweak it to see what works best for you!
5. Create a Visual
A visual supplement helps you retain information and make an impression on your judge. It doesn't have to be too fancy, but try to be clear and neat. Make sure it's something that will interest the judge, but won't distract them from what you're saying.
6. Engage the Judge
Judges are human too, and sometimes their minds might wander involuntarily. After all, they've been sitting and listening to presentations for a while. Ask for their opinion or other questions to get them to engage in the conversation. Don't be afraid to be creative! Do something to set yourself apart from your competitors.
7. Ending the Role-play
The role-play doesn't end until you leave the room! End with a firm handshake, and then walk out with a straight back and confidence.
Apparel and Accessories Marketing (AAM)- The student is given a description of a specific situation that measures skills, knowledge, and attitudes in apparel and accessories marketing or marketing management. Students will be challenged by manufacturing firms primarily engaged in the marketing of clothing and related articles for personal wear and adornment roles in these events are those of customers, employees, supervisors, and managers.
Principles of Marketing (PMK)- The student is given a description of a specific situation that measures skills, knowledge and attitudes in marketing. Students will be challenged to perform marketing and management functions and tasks related to marketing communications management marketing research and sales. Roles in these events are those of customers, employees, supervisors, managers, and entrepreneurs.
Principles of Hospitality and Tourism (PHT)- the student is given a description of a specific situation that measures skill, knowledge, and attitudes in the hospitality and tourism industry. The interview events will use language associated with careers in Hotels, Restaurants, and Tourism and Travel.
Quick Serve Restaurant Management (QSRM)- The student is given a description of a specific situation that measures skills, knowledge and attitudes in quick-service restaurant management. Students will be challenged to perform marketing functions and tasks in retail establishments, wholesale establishments and manufacturing firms, primarily engaged in the quick-serve restaurant industry. Roles in these events are those of customers, employees,supervisors, managers, and entrepreneurs.
Retail Merchandising (RMS)- The student is given a description of a specific situation that measures skills, knowledge, and attitudes in retail merchandising management. Students will be challenged to perform marketing management functions and tasks that can be applied in any retail establishment. Roles in these events are those of customers, employees, supervisors, and entrepreneurs.
Sports and Entertainment Marketing (SEM)- The student is given a description of a specific situation that measures skills, knowledge, and attitudes in sports and entertainment marketing. Students will be challenged to perform market and management functions and tasks related to amateur or professional sports or sporting events, entertainment or entertainment events, selling and renting of supplies and equipment (other than vehicles) used for recreational or sporting purposes, products, and services related to hobbies or cultural events, or businesses primarily engaged in satisfying the purposes, products and services related to hobbies or cultural events or businesses primarily engaged in satisfying the desire to make productive or enjoyable of leisure time. Roles in these events are those of supervisors and managers.
Sports Team Decision (STDM)- comprised of two DECA members. Students will average test scores and complete roll play together.
Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making (TTDM)- Comprised of two DECA members. Students will average test scores and complete role play together