This guide should give you all the big factors contributing to your success within DECA. It includes drafting your written events to presenting them, and also how to craft a fantastic roleplay presentation.

Attention to Detail

If your project or roleplay presentation has a high level of detail, and it's clear to the judges that you kow what you're talking about, you'll set yourself apart from the competition.

Being Passionate

Judges can tell when you're actually passionate about something, and expressing your excitement for your business idea will always help your case. On top of that, writing the paper and talking about it becomes 10 times easier when you like what you're doing!

Team vs. Solo

The first step is deciding if you want to work alone or in a group. Some events allow you to have up to 2-3 group members, but it's always possible to work alone.

Benefits of going solo:

• More control over project/presentation

• No disagreements/drama

Benefits of team:

• Less work/memorization

• More fun with friends!

Personally, we would recommend working in a group.

Getting Started: Picking an Event

There's a ton of events to choose from, so here's what you should ask yourself:

• Can I afford to spend at least 1-2 hours a week for 2-3 months writing a paper?

  • Do I want to write a 10 page paper or 20 page paper?

• Which one of these events do I think I could succeed in?

  • Do I have previous experience/knowledge relating to this event?

Finding an Idea

The hardest part of a written event is figuring out a solid business idea. There's a few different ways to do it, but one thing I like doing is thinking top-down:

•   Create a list of industries, for example:

  • School

  • Sports

  • Health Products

• Then, research and make a list of problems for each industry

  • Identify what problem resonates most with you based on your interests/passions

  • Create a business that solves the problem

Or, you can start with an idea you've already had and work out some of the details.

Or, you can target your interests and brainstorm ideas within that area.

Generally, your business idea:

• should be centered around a niche audience

• should solve problems that improve society and the planet (important)

  • DECA judges love when your business solves a problem they can relate to or empathize with!

  • Eco-friendly solutions consistently win at competitions, although it's not necessary.

If you're having problems coming up with an idea, feel free to reach out to one of our chapter officers. We'd be happy to help!

Writing the Paper

Writing a 10- or 20-page paper can be pretty initimidating, but it's not all that bad. Let's break it down:

• Before drafting anything, take a good look at some winning papers from your event. You can find these easily online or on DECA+.

• Create a document in Google Docs, MS Word, or Canva (Recommended!)

  • It's a better idea to start in google docs, then copy+paste content over to canva after it's drafted.

• Copy+Paste the guidelines for your event into the doc

• Divide and outline each part of the required sections

• Turn your outline into writing

• Make everything look good: add graphics, color, logos, etc. (remember attention to detail!)

  • Benefit of using Canva here is that students have a free pro membership, giving you access to a ton of graphics, fonts, and images. Use them!

• Some more tips:

  • Double and triple check your paper for penalty points

  • Follow the guidelines/rubric like they are the law

Making the Presentation

Picking an Event

There are so many options for role plays, so you will definitely find something you like. The best way to have the most success and fun during the DECA season is to do an event you like. The roleplay events are divided into these career clusters:

Another piece to take into consideration is the three types of roleplays:

1. Principles events: Only for first-year DECA members, 1 participant, 10-minute prep, 10-minute presentation. This is a good option for those new to DECA. The prompts and exams will be easier, and your competition will also be first-year DECA members.

2. Individual Series Events: 1 participant, 10-minute prep, 10-minute presentation

3. Team Decision Making Events: Team of 2 participants, 30-minute prep, 15-minute presentation

Team vs. Individual

When picking your roleplay, DECA offers both individual and team (duo) events. Note that team and individual roleplays have events in each career cluster. 

Benefits of individual events:

• No conflict in decision making

• More variety in roleplay choices

• Some individual roleplays do not require testing

Benefits of team events

• Collaboration with friends

• Combine both ideas is decision making

Preparation

Testing

Google Drive Resource Folder

Useful Links

Competitive Events - DECA