By Carson Alexander, @deca.carson | Memphis University School, TN
Let’s be honest: winning a DECA roleplay is not always about who knows the most — it’s about who acts like they do.
If you’ve seen the whole “performative males” trend, you know the vibe: confident, slightly dramatic, but somehow magnetic. And if you’ve ever watched a strong DECA role-play, you’ve probably noticed something – the best competitors don’t just speak their ideas, they sell them. That’s exactly the energy that wins DECA events. You can’t just know a couple of business terms or answer prompts; it’s about how you perform them and act out your ideas under pressure.
Welcome to the art of being performative – not in the “acting fake” sense, but in how you bring your ideas to life.
1. Channel Main Character Energy
Imagine this: you are walking into your role-play like you own the place. You’ve got your notes, your blazer, an ice-cold matcha and maybe even a Labubu keychain swinging from your bag like a quiet supporter.
The bottom line is that confidence is contagious. Judges can feel when you believe in yourself, even if you’re making it up on the spot. The trick? Pretend you’ve already won before you even sit down. If you need a mindset boost, think of your pre-event ritual like your morning routine – whether it’s sipping a drink for calm focus or putting on your favorite music to set the vibe, pick a habit that reminds you to stay focused and confident.
2. Build a Character and Own It
Every role-play gives you a scenario, and with it, a character. Instead of a recital of answers, step into a role, a personality or a likeness.
Are you the innovative CEO? The creative marketing director? The strategic project manager?
Being performative doesn’t mean being fake. It means putting your best foot forward in every action you take. Smile when it fits. Use your hands. Make the judge laugh. You’re not a robot pitching data, but a real person solving real problems. That mix of charisma and clarity? That’s your winning combo.
3. Structure Your Story
Think of your role-play like a Clairo or Laufey song. Every good performance has rhythm and structure:
- Intro: Greet the judge, define your role, and set the tone.
- Build: Explain your key points, the "chorus" to your solution
- Climax: Share your most creative ideas - the moment your performance reaches its peak
- Final Note: Finish strong with a handshake and a concise summary
When you create a flow, the judge can easily follow your logic, and that's how you leave a lasting impression.
There’s a huge difference between being fake and being performative. Being fake means pretending to be someone you’re not. Being performative means highlighting the best parts of yourself – the professionalism, creativity and confidence that DECA is all about.
When you combine preparation with performance, you transform from just another competitor into someone memorable, persuasive and inspiring.
So next time you're waiting for your role-play, remember to sip your matcha, adjust your blazer and channel your inner Labubu. Then walk in there and make your 10 minutes feel like a sold-out show.
Because in DECA, it is not just what you say that wins: it’s how you make them believe it.
