Every DECA competitor has that moment.

The moment when regionals are over, the adrenaline fades, and suddenly someone says the words “See you at state.”

And your brain goes:
Oh.

Oh wait.

States is real.

For me, that moment usually happens about a week after qualifiers when I realize, “Wait… I actually have to be good now.” Not just survive the role play good. I mean finals-level good.

So yes, states mode has officially been activated.

But here’s the honest part: my preparation doesn’t look like some intense 10-hour study bootcamp where I memorize every performance indicator ever written. I tried that once. My brain melted. Instead, over the years I’ve figured out what actually works for me.

Step One: Re-learn the Indicators (But Make It Make Sense)

Performance indicators are the backbone of DECA. They’re also written in a way that sometimes makes them sound like they were generated by a corporate buzzword machine.

So instead of memorizing them word-for-word, I translate them into normal human language.

For example:

“Explain the nature of customer relationship management.”

Translation:
How do you make customers like your business enough to come back?

Once I actually understand the concept, it becomes way easier to apply during a role play. Because the judge isn’t looking for you to recite definitions. They want to see if you can use the idea.

Step Two: Practice Role Plays (But Not a Million)

People always ask how many practice role plays you should do before states.

My answer: enough to get comfortable, but not so many that you start sounding like a robot.

The goal isn’t memorizing solutions. It’s learning how to structure your thinking when you get a prompt.

My typical practice flow looks something like this:

1. Read the prompt
2. Highlight the actual problem
3. Build a solution with a catchy name (this is non-negotiable)
4. Connect everything back to the performance indicators

Also, pro tip: practice with people who will actually critique you. Your mom saying “that sounded great!” is nice, but not helpful.

Step Three: Work on the Presentation

This is the part most people forget.

You can have the best solution in the world, but if you present it like you’re reading the instructions on a shampoo bottle, it won’t land.

So I practice things like:

• Strong openings
• Eye contact
• Not saying “um” every three seconds
• Actually sounding excited about my idea

Because the truth is, DECA is part business competition and part performance. The judges want to see someone confident, enthusiastic, and able to think on their feet.

Step Four: Prepare for the Chaos

Here’s the thing about DECA that no one talks about enough.

Something will always go wrong.

Your prompt will be weird.
Your judge will look bored.
Your brain will forget a word you’ve known since third grade.

The best competitors aren’t the ones who avoid mistakes. They’re the ones who recover smoothly.

So part of my preparation is honestly just reminding myself that it’s okay if things aren’t perfect. Some of my best role plays have come from moments where I had to completely pivot mid-presentation.

The Real Goal

Yes, obviously the dream is glass. Always.

But states is also one of those weird experiences where the competition is only half of it. The other half is the bus rides, the hotel chaos, the late-night role play practice in hallways, and the collective panic before awards.

It’s stressful, chaotic, and somehow still one of my favorite things every year.

So that’s where I’m at right now: states mode activated.

Performance indicators reviewed.
Role plays practiced.
Suit pressed.

Now all that’s left is to walk into that competition room, shake the judge’s hand, and pretend the business I invented five minutes ago has been running successfully for years.

Honestly? That’s kind of the fun of it.