Why “Confidence” Matters More Than Memorization (with Gianna Demino)
In DECA, your success isn’t based on how well you have memorized your Quizlets or your key performance indicators, but rather your ability to create coherent and bold solutions that are not available in your notecards. What sets ICDC competitors apart from the glass winners is their ability to use confidence to their advantage. The appearance of confidence makes a competitor seem more reliable and knowledgeable, building a subconscious relationship between the competitor and the judge.
In today’s business world, this is especially true. You are rarely judged based on how much information you remember, but rather how effective a communicator you are, as well as your critical thinking skills. DECA chooses to prepare competitors for the professional setting in the same way, by rewarding competitors who demonstrate confidence, adaptability, and those who do not solely focus on memorization.
Below are the top five reasons why confidence matters more than memorization and how you can use it to your advantage.
1. Confidence propels our performance under pressure
Competing in a DECA event is fast-paced and put in a high-pressure environment. You are only given 10 minutes for individual role-play prep and 30 minutes for partner events. In fast-paced scenarios like these, solely focusing on your previously memorized answers can put you at a disadvantage. These answers will often crumble when judges ask follow-up questions that you might not have prepared for.
Using the crucial skill of confidence will help prevent this. Confidence gives you the unique powers to think on your feet, change your responses, and stay composed. It’s important to remember that confidence isn’t some magic problem solver, but rather it’s a change in mindset. You have practiced hard, and you have learned the material; it’s time to back your knowledge with confidence, just like you would in the business environment.
2. Business rewards decision-making, not perfect memory recall
In the real world, professionals do not succeed based on reciting definitions; they succeed by making informed decisions using their best judgment. This is directly translated into a DECA roleplay where confident competitors demonstrate leadership by crafting their own ideas and marking them as their own, even when their answer isn’t “perfect”.
In the judges’ eyes, they often value reasoning and clarity more than textbook precision. Judges are humans too; it’s often more effective to communicate with the judge on a more personal level as opposed to solely focusing on reciting definitions.
3. Confidence enhances communication and persuasion
The phrase fake it till you make it is crucial during your DECA event. Use the persuasive technique of confidence to your advantage; by simply having confidence, you can build credibility when explaining your ideas to the judge.
Confidence can be shown through your tone, posture, and eye contact. Slow down and take the time to talk to your judge with the proper pacing, not only demonstrating confidence, but also building the stronger personal connection you want with your judge. Basing your ideas solely on memorization without the element of confidence makes you sound robotic; let your personality show during your roleplay. Confident and enthusiastic delivery makes your ideas more memorable to the judge as opposed to solely recitation.
4. Confidence allows flexibility and creativity
DECA roleplay case studies are designed to reward those who take calculated risks and develop an original idea. Basing your idea solely on memorization limits your creativity and prevents you from taking those bold risks judges like to see.
It’s important to remember that there is a balance between using your foundational knowledge and confidence. Your ideas are often better perceived when you base your ideas on confidence. Remember, you have prepared for this event, and you have the foundational skills to succeed. Confidence encourages exploration and creativity, whereas memorization limits your adaptability. Instead of focusing on reciting vocab definitions, focus on creatively adding them to your case study. This shows the judge that you have a deeper comprehension of the key performance indicators, instead of just memorizing a definition.
5. Judges evaluate presence as much as content
First impressions matter. Walking up to the judge and shaking their hand and making that personal connection sets the tone before you even begin your presentation. Part of your score is professionalism, which includes leadership potential and executive presence. These are qualities rooted in confidence. Being a confident competitor makes you appear more prepared, capable, and trustworthy to your judge.
In DECA, success isn’t based on having the most information. It’s about trusting yourself to use what you know; confidence transforms knowledge into leadership, and that’s what truly sets competitors apart.
