HOW-TO
GUIDE
ROLE PLAY EVENTS
What is a role-play event?
A role-play event is an event in which the student, or students if it is a team event,
assumes the role of a ____?______. The judge(s) assumes the role of a customer,
manager, co-worker, etc.
The student is given a situation (similar to a case problem) related to the occupational
area for the event. The student is to address the situation and orally present their ideas,
solutions, and/or recommendations to a judge (business person).
The student is given prep time to read the role-play situation and prepare a presentation.
During the role-play, the student is to make the presentation to the judge(s). The judge(s)
will listen to the student’s presentation and ask one question to all participants and/or
additional questions for clarification.
YOU do the talking, the judges do the listening.
After the role-play, the judge(s) complete and score an Evaluation Form.
What should I know before the role-play event?
You should know 3 things before the role-play event:
1. WHAT is the event you are participating in (your DECA Advisor has pre-registered
you)
2. WHERE will the event be held
3. WHEN do you report (arrive early).
How do I dress?
DECA participants must wear the proper business attire to participate in role-play events.
FEMALES: Blazer, suit, pantsuit, dress/blazer, skirt/slacks/blazer with coordinated
shirt/blouse/sweater, hose, closed toe dress shoes. A dress suit or a DECA blazer is also
appropriate. NO DENIM APPAREL!
MALES: Blazer, Dress slacks, dress shirt, sport coat, dress shoes and socks. A dress suit
or DECA blazer is also appropriate. NO DENIM APPAREL!
Inappropriate attire includes denim, tank tip, crop top, bathing suit, miniskirt, shorts,
spandex, leggings or athletic wear and hat.
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What things do I need?
You will need the following things in order to participate in a DECA role-play event:
Picture ID, name badge and/or participant ID number
Pencil and/or pen
Calculator
Pad of paper
Additional things may be required depending on the event. Please refer to the DECA
Guide (www.deca.org) for a specific list for that event.
What will the materials given to me during the Prep Time tell me?
The materials given to you during Prep Time will tell you the following:

Your Role

The role of the judge

The situation

What items will be used to evaluate your presentation (these are the “Performance
Indicators”)
How do I develop my presentation?
You already know what items will be used to evaluate your presentation. In outline form,
develop a presentation based on the “Performance Indicators.” For each Performance
Indicator, write down your ideas/solutions/recommendations and the rational (the WHY)
for each. Create visual aids to use during presentation.
1) “Performance Indicator”
a. idea/solution/recommendation and why
b. idea/solution/recommendation and why
2) “Performance Indicator”
a. idea/solution/recommendation and why
b. idea/solution/recommendation and why
3) etc. (and so on, and so on….for each)
The judge’s Evaluation Form is identical to the list of Performance Indicators.
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What happens during the role play?
After you have prepared your presentation, you will present your ideas, solutions, and /or
recommendations of the situation to the judges.
The role-play consists of four parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction
Presentation of ideas
Question and Answer
Leave
What happens during the Introduction?
You introduce yourself to the judges. You want to create a good first impression. Look
and act like you know what you are doing. The following checklist will help you make a
good impression. CONFIDENCE IS KEY!
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Good Posture - standing and sitting
Eye Contact - look the judges in the eye
Smile
Firm Handshake
Greeting
Introduce yourself
What happens during the Presentation?
You present your ideas/solutions/recommendations to the situation.
o Begin by stating your role
o Describe the situation
o Using the outline of the “Performance Indicators” you developed during Prep Time,
present your ideas/solutions/recommendations to the situation. Create
o After you have finished, ask the judge(s) if they have any questions.
What questions will be asked?
The judge(s) have prepared in advance at least one question, the same for all participants.
They may ask additional question for clarification of your presentation. The following will
help you answer questions:
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o Listen carefully to the question. Make sure you understand the question. If you
don’t understand, ask the judge to repeat and/or rephrase the question.
o Think before you respond.
o If you are in a team event, consult with the other team members before you
respond.
o Repeat or rephrase the question.
o Answer the question.
When is the role-play over?
Generally, the role-play is over when you have made your presentation and answered all
the judges’ questions.
Role-play events are timed. It’s a good idea to have a watch to keep track of the
length of your presentation. You cannot exceed the allotted time. The event manager will
signal the judge(s) to let them know when time is about up. Most participants will finish in
the allotted time.
When
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
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the role-play is over:
Stand.
Thank the judges
Firm handshake
Smile
You may hand the judge visual aids created during your prep time!
Role Play Team Events (SLC ONLY)
The format for role-play team events is the same as those for individual role-play events.
Things to remember about team role-play events:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Together you will have 30 minutes to read and prepare your presentation.
Determine in advance what each person on the team will say.
Stick to the plan.
Each member of the team MUST do equal parts of the presentation
Look at your team member when he/she is talking.
You may clarify/or add to your team members answers to questions AFTER they
have had their chance.
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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (SAMPLE ROLE PLAY)
Performance Indicators
1. Handle difficult customers
2. Show empathy for customers
3. Follow store policies
4. Arrive at a fair and appropriate solution
EVENT SITUATION
You are to assume the role of an assistant manager at Pepi Sports located in the ski resort
at Vail, Colorado. Pepi Sorts is an upscale ski and apparel store that is open year round.
They cater to both the local residents and the tourist traffic. During the spring and
summer season, Pepi Sports presents product lines to attract both the golf and hiking
crowds. They have been in the same prestigious location for over 35 years.
Pepi’s is currently having their annual holiday sale. The spouse of a customer purchased a
ski jacket on sale yesterday at your store. The purchase was a surprise birthday gift
valued at $495.
Today the recipient of this gift has returned to your store to ask for a refund on the ski
jacket that was purchased yesterday.
STORE POLICY
No cash refunds on sale merchandise.
You are to introduce yourself to the judge (customer) and then begin the role-play event.
Have fun and good luck!
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WINNING AT DISTRICTS
• What is a “good” Role Play
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Strong introduction
Firm handshake
Make eye contact
Outline what you are going to talk about
Good posture
Clarify at the end (summarize)
• Common Pitfalls
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lack of Confidence
Lack of Introduction
Lack of Effort (30% rule)
Lack of Structure
Excessive “crutch words” – “um”, “uh”
Too many or too few gimmicks
• The “I See BETSY” System
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I
C
B
E
T
C
Introduction
Competencies
Budget
Effectiveness
Timeline
Conclusion
• Introduction
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Be enthusiastic – so you stand out
Be positive – tell them you are excited
Set up the situation and ask to re-enter
• Read role play to pull out important info
The 3 inches rule
• Sit on the front of the chair
• Performance Indicators
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These are the points you must cover
Put them in an order that makes sense to you (# them in planning)
Start with the biggest idea and move to the smallest one
Take each through 3 steps as you discuss them
1. Define the term
2. Give an example
3. Relate it to your solution to the problem
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• The B.E.T.
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Budget – remember that things cost $
Effectiveness – measure of success
• Did it work?
Timeline – be realistic about how long things take to implement
• Conclusion
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Tell them what you told them
• Summarize your thoughts
Ask if the judge has any questions
Leave on a positive note
Top Ten Tips for Winning
10. Develop Your Definitions
Use the National DECA website www.deca.org
Practice using the terms
Study them once a week
9. Practice Your Pitch : Come in before school to practice role plays with your advisors
8. Jargon your Judge: Jargon-industry related terms the general public might not know
7. Enthuse Your Encounter
Be enthusiastic!!
Stand out from the crowd
6. WOW the World: Bring the WOW factor, think outside the box
5. Roadmap Your Rap
Layout your plan for the judge
Gives your judge an idea of where you are going
Gives them audible cues
4. Enlist an Expert
Practice with your DECA advisor
Talk to someone in the field
3. Captivate Your Chapter
Meet before school
The more the merrier
Make it fun to practice
2. Visualize Your Victory: Imagine yourself winning
1. Practice! Practice! Practice!
More Tips
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•
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Get comfortable looking people in the eye
Use exact language from the role play
Use visual aids regardless of how artistic you are!
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