When I was a freshman, the idea of competing in DECA states was incredibly scary. I mean, I played sports and loved the occasional highly competitive Uno game; however, being tested solely on my marketing capabilities was scary. I finally faced my fears in my sophomore year and competed in a partnered event. I didn’t make it to nationals, but that experience equipped me with the knowledge I needed to make it to ICDC 2025.
Going into my first event as a sophomore, I had NO idea what to expect. I didn't know what to say to the judges, how to make the roleplay sound authentic, or how to stand out. However, I practiced and implemented skills that no doubt helped me place 2nd in states and inevitably gave me the opportunity to compete in ICDC.
I have only ever competed in roleplay events, and the tips that were already online were not very helpful. This is why I have curated and compiled five foolproof tips that you can implement before and during lower-level competitions to make sure you make it to ICDC 2026
As a freshman, I was not incredibly knowledgeable about marketing. Because of this, I would advise my new DECA members to do super competitive events. When you are first starting out, try to stick to the lesser-known events, so you have a higher chance of placing. However, do not do an event that you don’t care for simply because it is lesser known; it will show when you have to talk to the judges.
You don’t have to do incredibly hard events (like the Business Finance series), but also don't force yourself to do an event just because it isn’t that popular. Do NOT do a partner event simply because your friend wants to, and do NOT sign up for a written event because you don't like talking in front of people (you will have to anyway). Compete in an event you feel the most comfortable and confident in! Don’t force anything!
Research the events ahead of time and what each one entails. What I’ve learned is that for a lot of the roleplays, you do not need to be an expert in whatever category it is. For example, I competed in the Sports and Entertainment Marketing event, and I don’t think I could list off three NFL teams (still can't); it’s not how much of a topic you know, but how well you can apply the given scenarios to more general marketing principles.
Before going into any level DECA competition, run through practice tests and/or do sample role plays in front of your business teachers. Confidence plays a huge role in making it into ICDC; the judges have to believe not only that you know what you’re talking about but that you are comfortable enough to convey that to them. I would NOT recommend pulling any all-nighters or stressing about your events. The more you stress, the worse you’ll perform when the time to compete actually arrives.
If you are not already familiar with the format of DECA roleplay events, once it is your time to compete, you have 10 minutes to read the situation and write down your solution and any notes on scratch paper. These 10 minutes are the backbone of your entire roleplay. The second you start reading your situation, you need to jot down what role you're filling, what the company name is, and who you will be speaking to. These three things set the tone for how you will conduct yourself during the roleplay, plus, knowing your character well and playing into it sets you apart from other competitors.
Next, have a cohesive layout for your paper. Do NOT write full sentences; that is just a waste of time. Lay out your paper in bullet points and in chronological order of what you want to say. When you are in front of the judges, if you forget your next talking point, you want to be able to quickly glance down at your paper and find it.
My biggest piece of advice is to think of a fake personal anecdote to connect yourself with the scenario at hand. For example, if your roleplay scenario is about whether or not a luxury company should rerun a vintage line, talk about how you grew up watching your mom and female relatives wear this line and how it is nostalgic for you. Although both you and the judges know that this is not true, it will make the scenario feel more real for everyone involved, as well as set you apart as a competitor.
Next, look at the performance indicators listed and answer every single one briefly. Give yourself room to add more when you’re in front of the judges.
Another important thing is to be creative. Delegate one to two minutes to just write out possible outcomes of the scenario given. Take risks, and explain these risks to the judges. Showing the judges that you are able to think creatively but also understand the complexities of the field you’re in is incredibly good.
By the time the 10 minutes are up, you want to have understood your role, come up with a personal connector, answer all of the performance indicators, and come up with a unique approach to the solution. I also suggest drinking water before the next part, because you will be nervous and do NOT want to explode into a coughing fit (speaking from experience.)
People truly underestimate how far charisma and good manners will take you with the judges. When you walk in front of the judges, immediately turn on your most business-professional, cheery version of yourself. Shake their hand, smile, and introduce yourself with your name and your assigned position within the company. The biggest thing is being authentic. Generally, maintain eye contact, but keep it natural! If you talk animatedly; talk animatedly! Judges don’t want to talk to robots; they want to talk to people who are passionate about what they are doing. My BIGGEST piece of advice for this section is that the judges are people too! Most likely, they are also nervous about doing the wrong thing or afraid of how they are being perceived. Do not be afraid of them, carry on, and relay the information that you have already prepared.
At this point in the competition, it is so easy to get nervous, forget to look down at your paper, or freeze up. It is imperative that you stay calm (practicing beforehand will shake most nerves you have). Talk slow! Imagine that the judges are your teachers and you are just explaining how to do an assignment to them. Remember the points that you wrote on your paper and expand upon them; talk about how they are going to improve the company overall based on whatever metric the scenario focuses on.
When answering questions, take your time and elaborate! Make sure you use that time to not only answer their question, but reiterate how whatever aspect they need you to clarify. ASK A QUESTION AT THE END! I always like to ask, “How soon will you and your team reach out to us about your decision?” This question fits within any scenario and also makes you memorable for the judge. Once you’re done, shake their hand and thank them for having you!
Whether or not you make ICDC 2026, it is a huge honor and a great experience to participate in DECA states! While you’re there, talk to new people, participate in the various workshops, and have fun. The only thing more rewarding than making it to nationals is doing it with friends! Good luck everyone, and I hope to see you at ICDC 2026!
If you are interested in participating in the Marketing Today! Pathway, like Gabby, click here to learn more.
