WHAT IS A MNEMONIC?
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A Mnemonic is a device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in remembering something. When relating to DECA competitions, this technique can be very beneficial to maximize your potential!
A.C.E.
Have you ever played a game of cards? If you have, then you probably know the benefit of having an ace card. This card is commonly classified as a high-value card, but often times, it can be used as low-value card. More times than not, whether you hold a high or low ace, it is to your benefit. How does that relate to DECA competition? Well, here's the concept:
A.C.E Stands for Authenticity, Creativity, and Excellence. In a sense, it is an equation. Authenticity + Creativity = Excellence.
One of the most, if not the most important aspects of DECA competition is to do something that makes you stand out to your judges. Depending on the amount of people in your event or project, your judge may get tired of seeing copy-paste presentations that have no individuality to it. Therefore, it is incredibly important for you to do something that makes you stand out!
The main way to achieve this is to be authentically yourself, and authentically creative. You don't have to be the best artist, or quick-witted individual. However, everybody has something within their own capabilities that allows them to add their personal flare(s) to their presentations.
That takes me back to the ace card analogy. An ace can be used in different capacities, but whether it's high or low, it will help you succeed in your game. In DECA competition, whether you are creative artistically, conceptually, or even socially, your authenticity and individuality will help you achieve you achieve excellence.
"...if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi
"Quest and Test"
To feel confident and succeed in your competitive event, you need to familiarize yourself with the business cluster you are in. Whether you're competing in Hospitality & Tourism, Marketing, or Entrepreneurship, it is important to know what each cluster is about. This can be accomplished through quest.
A quest is a search for something. In this case, that "search" is your business cluster. This can be accomplished through research, observations, shadows, collaborations, and more. The phrase, "You don't know what you don't know" relates to this concept, because if you don't know anything about the cluster you are competing in, how are you going to perform on the test? How confident are you going to feel when you have to prepare and present your roleplay? Those are all things to consider.
After you've concluded your quest, you should feel well prepared to test. The test includes the actual multiple-choice test, your roleplay, or your project presentation. Overall, the test refers to all competition aspects, and you feeling confident going into them!
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