TIPS FOR ROLE PLAY EVENTS

WHAT IS A ROLE PLAY?

BE A ROLE PLAY CHAMPION !

A role play is an activity where the student or team is given time to analyze a business situation (case study) and put together an effective strategy to address specific business-related issues.

The student or team addresses the situation and presents their ideas, solutions, and/or recommendations to a judge. The judge’s job is to listen to the presentation, ask some questions, and evaluate the student’s or team’s performance.

Performance Indicators are the criteria used to measure the substance of the role play presentation (rubric). Students and judges are each given the same business situation and the same list of performance indicators.

Where Does It All Take Place? Student or team arrives in the Waiting Area for the event.Called to the Prep Area where they’ll receive the role play, begin reading, and prepare their presentation.Time’s up. Proceed to Judging Area. Wait for available judge and then . . . It’s on!

The case study indicates who the student(s) will be, who the judge is, what the situation requires, and how the presentation will be assessed.

1

2

Judge’s score is based on how well the Performance Indicators are covered as well as the quality of presentation skills demonstrated by the student or team.

3

WHAT TO BRING TO A ROLE PLAY:

The event name & the time/location of your role play (get there at least 15 minutes early).

Photo ID and DECA participant ID

Pencil, paper (usually provided for you but come prepared) and a calculator (depending on event).

Appropriate business attire

A winning attitude

FEMALE ATTIRE ADVICE:

National DECA Rules:

White or pastel button down dress shirt Dress shoes (flats or heels) Dress pants or skirt (matching blazer

optional) Stockings a shade lighter or darker than

skin tone Light makeup, perfume, jewelry

Avoid: Tight or revealing tops Strappy sandals Miniskirts Too much makeup, perfume, jewelry Denim

MALE ATTIRE ADVICE:

National DECA Rules:

White or pastel button down, collared dress shirt

Dress shoes Dress pants Tie (not too short or too long) Sweater and/or sports jacket

Avoid: White socks or sneakers Messy hair Too much cologne Baggy clothes Denim

OVERALL APPAREL ADVICE:(FOR GUYS & GIRLS)

Good

Bad

Dress for Success!!!

Conservative Attire.

Think . . . Be a Business Professional.

Loud colors or prints.

Too many accessories (including piercings)

No attention to details.

PREP TIME STRATEGIES:

#1

#2

#3

Read case study & note the following:Your role, title, purposeJudge’s role, title, purposeName and type of companyWhat are you being asked to do?What are your Performance Indicators (PI’s)?

Start analyzing:Identify important detailsFollow all guidelinesBrainstorm ideas to cover the PI’sID any risks & how to minimize themKeep track of prep time

Plan out a presentation system:Meet & greet judgeIntroductory “hook” to get attentionDefine the big picture of issue at handShare strategy & solutions with judgeMake a memorable conclusion“Thank you for your time.”

MEETING THE JUDGE:

DO’S DON’TS

Prepare to act out your role Greet professionally with

hand shake Introduce yourself (name, role,

purpose of today’s meeting) Team: both are introduced Explain, “What you will

accomplish!” Have good posture Smile & maintain eye contact Show confidence throughout

Forget your introduction Slouch or look disinterested Let on that your nervous

MIDDLE OF THE ROLE PLAY:DO’S DON’TS

Present solutions & strategy Pace your speech & relax Be conversational Keep your composure no

matter what happens Focus on your plan Believe in what you’re saying

Miss any PI’s Create unrealistic ideas Use: ums, ahs, likes, etc. Speak too fast or too slow Go off on tangents

ADVICE FOR TEAMS:DO’S DON’TS

Interact with each other Be “in sync” with plan Share the speaking parts Plan who says what & when Listen when the other speaks Help if the other stumbles Follow-up on partner’s

thoughts or ideas if needed Take turns answering questions Good teamwork = POINTS

Work against your partner Be contrary Speak over each other Take over the presentation

CONCLUDING WITH THE JUDGE:DO’S DON’TS

Summarize major points Clarify how your plan satisfies

situation or problem (be convincing; big chance to impress the judge)

Ask if judge has any questions Carefully listen to judge Be confident with responses,

even if you’re uncertain Ask judge to repeat if you

didn’t hear or understand Think before responding Thank the judge Shake his/her hand

Stick in last minute ideas that your plan didn’t cover

Give one word answers that don’t explain

Say, “I don’t know.” (Have some kind of an answer.)

Leave without thanking judge & shaking hand

TRAINING: Go to your chapter’s Event Training

classes (for practice, group ideas, advisor assistance, additional resources, etc)

Train at Home Search other DECA websites for lots of

sample role plays & valuable info Have a friend over and practice

together

Practice Early and Often Don’t wait for competition; be

prepared well in advance The more role plays you deal with,

the more skills you develop and the more success you receive.