By Carson Alexander, @deca.carson | Memphis University School, TN
Public speaking isn’t just a performance skill — it’s a professional advantage. In DECA, where ideas are evaluated not only on strategy but on clarity, confidence and delivery, the way you communicate can be just as important as what you communicate. Strong stage presence signals competence, leadership and preparedness before the content even begins.
Every competitor knows the moment before a role-play or presentation: the pause at the door, the nerves, the sudden hyper-awareness of posture and pacing. But the competitors who consistently excel aren’t just reciting information – they’re controlling the room with intention.
Why Delivery Matters
There’s a common misconception in competition: if the content is strong, the score will follow. But judges are human, and communication impacts perception. A confident speaker can make a complex concept more transparent and more compelling, while rushed or disengaged delivery can make even strong ideas feel uncertain.
Stage presence isn’t about theatrics – it’s about demonstrating that you can communicate like someone in business: transparent, composed and credible.
What Effective Stage Presence Looks Like
Great speakers aren’t defined by volume or dramatics. They demonstrate three consistent qualities:
- Clarity: ideas are organized, intentional, and easy to follow
- Confidence: tone, posture, pacing, and eye contact signal control
- Authenticity: delivery feels natural, not memorized or overly rehearsed
When these elements align, the result is communication that feels persuasive rather than performative.
Practical Ways to Improve
Developing presence is less about being “naturally good” and more about practicing intentional habits. These methods translate well across competitive events, interviews and real-world professional settings:
1. Treat It Like a Conversation
Speak to the judge as if you’re walking them through a solution – not reciting lines. This builds rapport and makes your delivery sound confident rather than scripted.
2. Control Your Pace
Most people speak faster when nervous. Slowing down just slightly allows your ideas to land and gives you space to think clearly.
3. Use Strategic Pauses
Silence can emphasize key points, signal transitions and demonstrate confidence.
4. Move With Purpose
Movement should support structure – stepping forward for the opening, shifting during transitions and returning to the center for closing remarks.
5. Maintain a Warm Expression
A genuine smile can immediately set a positive tone and make your message more approachable.
Beyond Competition: The Long-Term Advantage
Public speaking skills extend far past competition scoring rubrics. They become assets in:
- Scholarship and job interviews
- Networking conversations
- Pitching new ideas
- Leading teams and initiatives
- Entrepreneurship and investor communication
The ability to speak with confidence and clarity is one of the most transferable business skills a student can develop.
Final Perspective
Stage presence isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. The goal is not to perform but to communicate with confidence, professionalism, and clarity. When you learn to deliver ideas with presence, you don’t just enhance your DECA performance — you build a skill that creates opportunities long after competition season ends.
