A How-To Guide For

DECA Role-Play Events

Written by Dr. Jack L. Gallegos DECA Chapter Advisor Englewood High School Edited by Molly Gallegos

What is a role-play event?

A role-play event is an event in which the student, or students if it is a team event, assumes the role of a ___?___. The judge(s) assumes the role of a ___?___. The student is given a situation (similar to a case problem) related to the occupational area for the event. The student is to address the situation and orally present their ideas, solutions, and/or recommendations to a panel of judges (business people). The student is given prep time to read the role-play situation and prepare a presentation. During the role-play, the student is to make the presentation to the judge(s). The judge(s) will listen to the students presentation and ask one question for all participants and/or additional questions for clarification. You do the talking, judge(s) do the listening. After the role-play, the judge(s) complete and score an Evaluation Form.

What should I know before the role-play event?

You should know 3 things before the role-play event: What is the event you are participating in (your DECA Advisor has pre-registered you):
1.

Where will the event be held (maps are included in registration materials):
2. 3.

When do you report (arrive early):

How should I dress?

DECA participants must wear proper Business Attire to participate in roleplay events. Females: Suit, pantsuit, dress, skirt/slacks with coordinated shirt/blouse/sweater/blazer, skorts, hose, dress shoes. A dress suit or a DECA blazer is also appropriate. NO DENIM APPAREL! Males: Dress slacks, dress shirt, sweater and/or sport coat, dress shoes and socks. (Tie is recommended.) A dress suite or DECA blazer is also appropriate. NO DENIM APPAREL! Inappropriate attire includes denim, tank top, crop top, bathing suite, miniskirt, shorts, spandex, leggings or athletic wear and hat.

What things do I need?

You will need the following things in order to participate in a DECA roleplay event: Picture ID, Name Badge, and/or Participant ID Number Pencil and/or Pen

Pad of

Paper Calculator

Additional things may be required depending on the event. Please refer to the DECA Guide for a specific list for that event.

What will the materials given to me during Prep Time tell me?
The materials given to you during Prep Time will tell you the following:
Your role The role of the judge(s) The situation How your presentation will be evaluated (listed under Performance

Indicators)

How do I develop my presentation?

You already know how your presentation will be evaluated. In outline form, develop your presentation based on the Performance Indicators. For each Performance Indicator, write down your ideas/solutions/recommendations and the rationale (the why) for each. 1) Performance Indicator a) Idea/solution/recommendation and why b) Idea/solution/recommendation and why 2) Performance Indicator a) Idea/solution/recommendation and why b) Idea/solution/recommendation and why 3) Performance Indicator a) Idea/solution/recommendation and why b) Idea/solution/recommendation and why 4) Etc. The judges Evaluation Form is identical to the list of Performance Indicators.

What happens during the role-play?

After you have prepared your presentation, you will present your ideas, solutions, and/or recommendations of the situation to the judges. The role-play consists of four parts: 1. Introduction 2. Presentation 3. Question and Answer 4. Leave

What happens during the Introduction?

You introduce yourself to the judges. You want to create a good first impression. Look and act like you know what you are doing. The following checklist will help you make a good first impression.
Good posture (standing and sitting). Look the judges in the eye. Smile . Firm handshake. Greeting. Introduce yourself.

What happens during the Presentation?

You present your ideas/solutions/recommendations to the situation.
Begin by stating your role. Describe the situation. Using the outline of the Performance

Indicators you developed during Prep Time, present your ideas/solutions/recommendations to the situation.
After you have finished, ask the judge(s) if they have any questions.

What questions will be asked?

The judge(s) have prepared in advance at least one question, the same for all, participants. They may ask additional questions for clarification of your presentation. The following will help you answer questions.
Listen carefully to the question. Make sure you understand the question. If

you dont understand, ask the judge to repeat and/or rephrase the question.
Think before you respond. If you are in a team event, consult with the other team

members before you respond.

Repeat or rephrase the question. Answer the question.

When is the role-play over?

Generally, the role-play is over when you have made your presentation and answered all the judges questions. Role-play events are timed. Its a good idea to have a watch to keep track of the length of your presentation. You cannot exceed the allotted time. The event manager will signal the judge(s) to let them know when time is about up. Most participants will finish in the allotted time. When the role-play is over:
Stand. Thank the judges. Firm handshake. Smile . Unless instructed to do so, dont hand the judges anything.

Role-Play Team Events The format for role-play team events is the same as those for individual roleplay events. Things to remember about team role-play events:
Each member of the team MUST do part of the presentation. Determine in advance what each person on the team will say. Look at your team member when he/she is talking.

THERE IS NO CRYING IN DECA!