DECA’s Project Management Events provide opportunities to engage chapter members in projects that have a lasting impact on the school and community. Each year, thousands of DECA chapters conduct projects to inform the community of the dangers of texting while driving, raise money for charities, train middle school students to be financially literate and educate community members about the benefits of entrepreneurism.
After the projects have been conducted and analyzed, it is time to get ready for competition by writing the manual and preparing an oral presentation. There are no right or wrong ways to showcase a chapter project; however, this article will provide some general tips and pointers to consider when preparing the oral presentation.
1. A Great Introduction
It is important to grab the judge’s attention at the beginning of the presentation. Do or say something memorable that will make the judge think of your presentation even after your presentation is over.
2. Ask the Judge Questions
Another useful strategy to engage the judge is to ask them questions that lead to your presentation’s key points. For example, if your chapter conducts a community service project to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society, you can ask the judge if they have ever known anyone that had cancer.
3. Give the Project an Identity
Put a face to your project to help connect with the judge. If your project is designed to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant a wish for a child in your community, be sure to tell the judge about the child and how your project helped make his/her wish come true.
4. Out-of-the-Box Strategies
The more unique the project, the more likely the judge will remember your project and presentation. Throughout the presentation be sure to highlight the innovative, out-of-the-box strategies you used. For example, many chapters conduct traditional fundraisers for charities by selling products or hosting special events. An out-of-the-box strategy that would stand out is to collect funds through a text messaging campaign.
5. Tell a Story That Is Easy To Follow
When presenting to a judge, try to tell a story instead of presenting only facts and figures. Stories are easy to follow along with and will help you give the project an identity. Additionally, if structured properly, telling a story can help you by providing an introduction and a summary for the judge.
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