⚔ MODULE I — THE ICDC WINNER PLAYBOOK
Biggest video takeaways
Importance of Mentorship and Collaboration: The success of the speaker's high school in DECA, winning eight times in 2024, is attributed to a strong emphasis on mentorship and a collaborative culture (1:22-1:51). Their weekly club meetings include practice role-play sessions and help with written reports and presentations, fostering quick learning among members (1:54-2:27).
Mastering Performance Indicators (PIs) and 21st-Century Skills: To excel in the Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series event, it's crucial to understand and practice performance indicators and 21st-century skills (2:41-3:01). The speaker emphasizes understanding what PIs mean rather than memorizing responses, using the 10-minute prep time to jot down notes and tailor answers to the assigned role (4:21-5:08). Utilizing online tools like Quizlet for revision and practicing role-plays with club members for feedback and time management are also highly recommended (5:13-5:41). It's also noted that if you don't fully understand a PI, try to adapt a relevant business framework and present it confidently, rather than avoiding the PI entirely (6:02-7:22).
Strategic Preparation and Presentation for Role Plays: Beyond studying, a sophisticated presentation style is key to success in the role play (9:57-10:12). The speaker highlights the importance of creativity in presentations, such as using catchy introductions, quotes, or even origami (11:30-11:52, 13:38-13:40). Incorporating business concepts like the "economics of one unit" to impress judges is also suggested (11:59-12:39). During the 10-minute prep time, segmenting paper for notes on PIs and dedicating time to "creating" props or unique elements are advised (12:44-13:36). A firm handshake, a distinguishing introduction (13:45-14:14), and unique solutions are vital to stand out among competitors (14:30-14:36).
Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series
Biggest video takeaways
Understanding Performance Indicators and 21st Century Skills: 21st Century Skills are about confident conduct, intelligent articulation, and thinking outside the box, rather than explicit memorization. An example given is "systems thinking," which involves connecting different business parts and tying in concepts from various clusters like economics or finance (4:01-4:49). Performance Indicators are explicit points that need to be walked through with the judge. It's crucial to write them down during preparation and explicitly address each one to maximize your score (4:51-5:28).
Preparing for the Cluster Exam: While the exam is important (Matt scored a 91 and believes around a 90 is ideal for ICDC success), Matt primarily studied on the plane to ICDC by doing practice tests.
The exam score carries over to the final score, but success in the role play is paramount, especially in events with multiple role plays (like Matt's, which had two). He emphasized focusing on the role play because it was his weaker area at states (14:50-14:57).
Strategic Preparation and Presentation Mindset (20:50-25:15):
Compartmentalize and focus: Don't be nervous. Use prep time efficiently without overthinking what might go wrong (21:10-21:29).
Organized notes: Fold your paper for clear sections for performance indicators and specific role-play details (e.g., company names, menu items) (21:51-22:46). Efficient reading and note-taking: Skim the case study for important information quickly (22:50-23:10). Rewrite crucial parts of performance indicators as prompts, not word-for-word, and list bullet points for topics underneath each (23:39-24:12). Visuals and opening script: Dedicate the latter half of prep time to creative, cohesive visuals (24:26-24:38). Have a confident, memorized 15-second introduction to start strong (24:43-25:15).
Restaurant & Food Service Management Series
Biggest video takeaways
Preparation is key, especially for exams (2:06-3:08): The speakers emphasize preparing for exams by practicing with previous tests from their specific cluster and even other clusters due to content overlap. They recommend using a shared Google Sheet to track mistakes and learn from each other's errors, and practicing stamina for the 100-question exam (10:04-11:55). They also advise against rushing and utilizing all the given time during the exam (12:01-12:55).
Creativity and storytelling in presentations (4:08-6:00): To stand out, presenters should be creative and think "out of the box." Instead of just reading notes, they suggest using a paper slideshow that serves as both notes and visuals, allowing for more dynamic presentations. They also highlight the importance of storytelling, connecting performance indicators into a cohesive narrative rather than just listing them (5:27-6:00). Using relatable, pop-culture references can also make the presentation more engaging and understandable to judges (6:03-7:22).
Confidence and adaptability during presentations (18:21-21:59): Maintaining supreme confidence is crucial, as it can subconsciously influence the judge. Speakers should remain loose and flexible, ready to adapt to unexpected situations, such as a technical glitch during a presentation, which can add a human element and demonstrate their ability to think on their feet. The overall biggest lesson is mastering storytelling, not just for presentations but also for college applications, fundraising, and explaining business growth (20:16-21:59).
Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
Biggest video takeaways
Passion and Impact are Crucial (9:39): The speakers emphasize that choosing a project with a real-world impact and genuine passion behind it is essential for success in DECA. This deep connection to the project not only makes the challenging work more fulfilling but also resonates more strongly with judges, leading to better outcomes. Even if you don't win, the positive impact you've made in your community is a significant reward.
Strategic Preparation for Written and Oral Presentations (12:45, 15:27): For written guidelines, start early, utilize resources like DECA plus examples, and focus on graphics to make the 20-page papers less overwhelming. For oral presentations, prioritize a solid project over a perfect script. The presentation should be a conversation with the judge, not a memorized speech. Use visual aids like 3D replicas and informative handouts for key details like finances, and consider using digital slideshows over traditional foam boards for a more dynamic and engaging experience.
Be Unique and Different (26:01, 27:20): When choosing an event or project, try to find something unexpected or a unique angle within a category. This helps you stand out to judges and makes your project more memorable. Don't be afraid to add extra elements not explicitly in the rubric, like acronyms, to further differentiate your project and demonstrate a deeper understanding. The biggest lesson learned is to strive for uniqueness and creativity in every aspect of your project.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
🎯 MODULE II — THE JUDGE's Scorecard
Biggest video takeaways
Show Critical Thinking and Adaptability: Judges look for students who demonstrate critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to consider multiple scenarios (7:57). It's important to show your thought process, explain alternatives you considered, and how you adjusted your plan based on different factors (9:22). This demonstrates a deeper understanding beyond just checking boxes.
Infuse Your Personality and Confidence: Don't be afraid to add your unique take and personality to your presentation (5:58). While professionalism is important, playing it too safe can hinder your score. Confidence is key; take a deep breath and "roll with the role play" (5:26). Being unflappable, regardless of the judge's reaction, is crucial (16:09).
Emotional Intelligence and Personal Brand: The defining factor for top performers is often emotional intelligence (12:20). This includes making eye contact, shaking hands, and genuinely connecting with the judge (12:35). Presenting your personal brand and relating to the judge can push you across the board in close competitions (12:53, 15:31). Being curious and open-minded (19:11), and not afraid to ask for help (19:57) are also valuable aspects of this.
Entrepreneurship & Marketing Events
Biggest video takeaways
Preparation differs for written reports vs. role-plays (1:41-3:22): For prepared reports, focus on a clear function and format, guided by the scoring rubric, to present a well-researched solution. For live role-plays, the preparation shifts to understanding and articulating your thinking process and decision-making. High-scoring role-plays effectively explain the "why" behind decisions and the value hierarchy.
High-scoring written reports are realistic and well-sourced (5:42-7:02): Top reports clearly link all proposed ideas, research, and conclusions to their sources. Budgets, in particular, should be realistic and specific, with all numbers justified. Judges, often business professionals, quickly spot unrealistic or unverified figures.
Confidence and clarity are crucial for presentations (9:56-11:00, 16:30-16:55): While substance is key, a confident presentation is a prerequisite for top scores. Judges appreciate clear, effective communication, especially for those without deep prior knowledge of the topic. Speaking slowly, breaking down key points, and avoiding excessive jargon are important presentation skills that can help win over judges.
Business Operations Research & Retail Merchandising
🧭 MODULE III — THE LEADERSHIP BLUEPRINT
Biggest video takeaways
Applying for State Officer: The application process involves a three-page application, a screening process with a speech and Q&A, and a test on DECA terms. Raylie emphasizes the importance of time management during the state competition, especially when balancing the officer campaign with project work (1:18-4:20).
Delivering a Compelling Officer Presentation: When giving a three-minute speech, focus on your values, the impact you want to have on Nebraska DECA, and tell a story (5:41-6:18). It's crucial to be comfortable discussing your values and premises without just reading from cards (5:41-5:55).
Excelling in Finance Operations Research: Start early when working with a company for your project, as it can take time for them to respond (8:12-8:38). It's beneficial to pick a project that genuinely interests you to maintain motivation, and to focus on finding a business first, then tailoring your research to that business (9:58-10:45). Staying in contact with your chosen business throughout the process is also highly recommended for receiving necessary information (10:51-11:23).
Nebraska DECA President on Running for Office & 3rd ICDC
Biggest video takeaways
What DECA is and its diverse opportunities (0:59-1:12): DECA is described as a business club that offers a multitude of events catering to various passions, including cars, fashion, and food. It provides an outlet for students to meet new people and gain confidence in their speaking skills.
DECA's benefits for college and personal growth (1:51-3:02): While not a guaranteed entry to Ivy League schools, achieving success at DECA's regional, state, or international levels significantly enhances college applications, especially for business-related degrees. Beyond competitions, DECA offers opportunities for leadership roles (2:19-2:23), virtual business competitions (2:25-2:27), and scholarships (2:29-2:32). It also helps members develop crucial skills like confidence, which is vital for competitions (8:41-8:45).
DECA is for everyone, including introverts (7:44-8:30): DECA is highly beneficial for introverts, as it provides a safe and intimate environment for practicing public speaking, particularly in role-play scenarios with only a judge present (8:00-8:13). It's an excellent platform to overcome stage fright and develop confidence.