1. Presenting to the Judge - Appearance
You never get a second chance to make a first impression
Remember – someone will form a perception about you within the first 30 seconds! Make it a good one!
Professional Appearance – your attire will enhance your presentation.
Gentlemen with ties, girls with dress pants or skirt to the knee.
Before you leave for the DECA competition that morning think to yourself – is this business professional?!

2. Presenting to the Judge – Intro Tips
First thing is to shake the judge’ hand and introduce yourself with CONFIDENCE!
Address your judge by their name… “Hello my name is ______ (and your role), and your name is _____? Very nice to meet you Mr/Miss ______.
Note – write their name down so you can address them throughout the presentation – makes it more personal!
Use of Props: make up a small business card to hand to judge when you approach. Business card to have your name, company name , and your position on it.
Keep in mind…Little thing such as this can go a long way!
Initiate the conversation and the beginning of the presentation.
“Hi, as mentioned my name is _____ and I am the role assigned in case. I am here today to discuss with you my strategies to help your business…”

3. Presenting to the Judge – Intro/Strategy Tips
Introduction—begin with a brief overview of the problem and your solution to the problem.
Organize your content in order of performance indicators. This will help your judge to mentally check off all points on their evaluation sheet.
Create either pictures or graphs to help explain your content (visual strategy to grab your judge’s attention) to summarize what you will be talking about to start your presentation or use throughout your presentation to help paint a picture for your judge.
Description of the best alternative—Describe your solution to the problems in detail. Be sure to point out both the pros and cons of your solution. Also make sure you address the performance indicators.
Bullet points are your friend! Easy to decipher what you want to discuss. Use these points as reference guides to further elaborate on during your presentation.

4. Presenting to the Judge – Conclusion Tips
Conclusion—Repeat your solution (just as you would in a final essay).
Show judge visual example: picture of bullet points) and if possible, outline an implementation strategy.
NOTE – keep your creativity and energy high. Draw your judge in!
This means how you plan on putting your plan into effect (eg. In the first week, in the first month….)
If possible, come up with ideas as to how you would measure success (ie. Is the plan working?)

5. Presenting to the Judge – Final Question Tips
Questions from Judges—some may ask at the end, some in the middle. If you have answered a question in your presentation, they may not ask you any questions. If they ask you a questions you have already answered, politely answer it again.
Lastly, thank the judge for his/her time. Shake their hand again, address them by name.
Leave all notes and the case with the judge.
Remember to bring:
Portfolio or clipboard
Pen/pencil/calculator
Photo ID

6. Presenting to the Judge – Final Points
Student preparation is key and will impress your judge.
Use of props/creative pieces/visuals/business card, pop up tent card, etc.
Look at your points on your sheet and speak to your judge – keep your answers short and concise – address questions asked (avoid going off on a tangent)
IF in a team… allow teammate to address a question, then elaborate if needed. Showcases respect for one another.
Note – maintain an equal dialogue between each member
Show your personality! Be friendly, enthusiastic, maintain eye contact, be CONFIDENT and HAVE FUN!