By Bretton Lam, @deca.bretton | Basis Independent Silicon Valley, CA
Every winning DECA pitch always starts the same way as any good meal would. The right ingredients, perfectly blended, create a savory, mouthwatering dish.
When I first joined DECA, my recipes were questionable. My slides overflowed with words, and my ideas lacked flavor. But after burning my first few dishes, I learned the secret recipe wasn’t about following a cooking book or instructions; it was about adding my own twist and approaching the process the right way.
1. The Preparation
Heating the stove, selecting ingredients and prepping a meal create a baseline for flavor. Just like how every chef must begin with preparation, each DECA competitor must start with research. Start by identifying the problem your idea solves. Then, research the industry and target market to understand the trends, competitors and customer preferences. A pitch without preliminary research is an unseasoned dish, and your judge won’t be afraid to put you on the chopping block!
2. The DECAdent Ingredients
A great pitch, like a great dish, needs flavor. Creativity adds spice, and presenting the right points adds texture. During my operations research project, my team experimented by combining analytics with bold ideas. Our presentation featured creative solutions to industry problems, all supported by data-driven results. When creating your DECA pitch, combine your own creativity with results that appeal to a broad audience of consumers.
3. The Taste Test
Before a dish is served, chefs must taste their food, adjusting ingredients to perfect the dish's flavor. When preparing for a conference, practice, refine and get feedback on your presentation. The best people to offer support are those around you. Fellow DECA members, officers and advisors are the most reliable because they have had years of experience. You want the judge to savor every moment and recognize that your solution really is the best. Lastly, record yourself and time your delivery. You don’t want to serve your pitch cold!
4. The Signature Dish
Take a deep breath and shake your judge’s hand. Months of preparation (or maybe just days if you procrastinated) come down to this moment. Just like a chef proudly presenting their signature dish, showcase your passion towards your idea through your words and body language. Be ready for questions and remain confident in your idea.
Looks like you are ready to create the perfect presentation. All that's left is for you to cook on your next DECA pitch!
