DECA competitions place students in high-pressure speaking environments where performance is evaluated, timed and compared. While this pressure can be intimidating, it is also what makes DECA one of the most effective environments for developing strong public speaking skills.
Below are practical public speaking tips specifically for DECA competitors.
1. Treat every event like a professional meeting
DECA events are not casual presentations. Judges expect professional communication, not classroom energy. This means:
- Standing with strong posture
- Making direct eye contact
- Speaking with purpose, not filler language
Approaching each event as a business meeting immediately improves credibility and delivery.
2. Lead with a clear opening
The first 20–30 seconds determine how judges perceive the rest of the performance. A strong opening should:
- Clearly state the problem or objective
- Establish your role in the scenario
- Signal confidence and structure
A weak opening forces judges to mentally “catch up,” while a strong one frames the entire presentation.
3. Structure your response before you speak
One of the biggest mistakes in DECA is thinking out loud. Instead, take a brief moment to organize:
- Main point
- Supporting points
- Conclusion
Using the provided KPIs as your main points is an excellent strategy to ensure your judge knows you hit each one.
4. Speak slower than feels natural
Most competitors speak too fast under pressure. Slowing down:
- Improves clarity
- Makes you sound more confident
- Gives judges time to process
If you feel like you’re speaking slightly too slow, you’re probably talking at the right pace.
5. Use business language over academic language
DECA is about applied communication. Avoid:
- Overly technical terms
- Long definitions
- Theoretical explanations
Instead, use:
- Action-oriented language
- Practical examples
- Decision-focused phrasing
Judges care more about how you would act than how much you know.
6. Control filler words and nervous habits
Common habits like “um” and “like,” as well as repetitive hand movements, distract from the content. Becoming aware of these patterns and actively reducing them immediately elevates perceived professionalism.
- Practice presenting in front of your peers, and have them count the number of filler words you use. Awareness is the first step
- Slow your pace down
7. Answer questions directly before elaborating
When judges ask questions, start with a clear answer first, then explain. This shows:
- Confidence
- Organization
- Respect for time
Rambling without a direct answer weakens even strong ideas.
8. Treat feedback as data, not criticism
Judge comments and scores are one of the most valuable tools in DECA. Instead of focusing on placement alone, use feedback to track:
- Communication clarity
- Structure
- Professional presence
The fastest-improving competitors are the ones who treat feedback as performance data.
9. Practice under pressure, not just alone
Practicing in front of friends, advisors or mock judges creates realistic stress. This prepares competitors far more effectively than silent rehearsal.
10. Let confidence come from preparation
The strongest speakers in DECA aren’t just the most naturally charismatic. They are the most prepared. Confidence built from preparation is more stable, more professional and more convincing than confidence built from personality alone.
In DECA, public speaking is not about eliminating pressure; it is about learning how to perform within it. Through repeated competition, structured feedback and professional simulation, DECA turns communication into a trained skill. Pressure does not just test speakers; it builds them.
