Executive Summary Toolkit

HOW TO WRITE AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
https://www.alchemer.com/resources/blog/how-to-write-executive-summary/
https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/write-an-executive-summary
https://www.inc.com/guides/2010/09/how-to-write-an-executive-summary.html

4 TIPS FOR WRITING AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THAT WILL GET READ
https://www.klipfolio.com/blog/executive-summary

10 TIPS FOR SUCCESS WHEN WRITING AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
https://earlygrowthfinancialservices.com/10-tips-crafting-executive-summary/

4 MOST IMPORTANT WORDS WHEN WRITING AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
https://fundingsage.com/writing-an-executive-summary-the-4-most-important-words-infographic/

TIPS FOR ADDING VISUAL ELEMENTS
https://neilpatel.com/blog/12-infographic-tips/
https://venngage.com/blog/infographic-design/

CREATING VISUAL ELEMENTS IN WORD
https://www.edrawmax.com/infographic/how-to-make-an-infographic-in-word/

OTHER TOOLS FOR CREATING VISUAL ELEMENTS
https://buffer.com/library/infographic-makers/

Click below to see example executive summaries. *These examples are from the sample events at www.deca.org. The executive summaries have been taken out and combined into one file.

3 Reasons Why You Should Do A Written Event

With over fifty competitive events, choosing just one to participate in can be one of the most difficult choices to face in DECA. However, a choice that’s much less overwhelming to make but narrows down your choices greatly is whether you want to compete in a written or role play event. A written event involves writing a paper, submitted before competition, and presenting it to a judge. A role play event involves taking a test beforehand and then presenting a response to a scenario you are given at competition. Not sure about which one of these two event categories is best for you? Read on to find out three major reasons that written events might be the perfect fit for you!

You should do a written event if. . .

1) You present the best when you’ve had time to rehearse.

One of the biggest downsides to roleplay events is their on-the-spot nature: you have less than an hour to both brainstorm and deliver a top-notch presentation. On the other hand, if your presentations are best when you’re able to practice them beforehand, a written event allows you to do just that. You’ll be able to spend several months before competition perfecting your presentation so you know it’s the best it can be when you finally deliver it to a judge.

2) You’re a stellar writer.

Your competitive event should show off your best skills. If you have a special way with words, a written event is for you! Your awesome writer’s voice will help you to craft a paper that is both informative yet engaging - a winning combination.

3) You have a unique idea you know you can sell to the judges.

Whether it be a creative way to transform a business whose stock has been underperforming or an idea for the next big tech gadget, a written event is a great way to display a unique, game-changing idea. Use your paper as a tool to pitch your out-of-this-world idea to your judge.

Did any of those reasons sound just like you? If so, check out the DECA website’s competitive events page to find out more about what written events are available!

BY: ANYA KACKER

Related Resources:

Resources for Written/Prepared Events

This page is currently under rennovations. Please check back soon for updates and information.

---

SAMPLE PREPARATION CALENDARS FOR YOUR EVENT

Integrated Marketing Campaign Events

operations research events

Professional Selling + Consulting Events

Project Management Events

entrepreneurship events

INNOVATION PLAN

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS PLAN

BUSINESS GROWTH PLAN

START UP BUSINESS PLAN

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN

FRANCHISE BUSINESS PLAN

---

Selling and Consulting Events

Financial Consulting (FCE)
(SAMple competitive event page, all events coming soon)

For 2022-2023 you will assume the role of a financial consultant to a local bank.

The bank is looking to close some of its brick-and-mortar locations and transition more of its services to an online/virtual platform. The bank is seeking your recommendation on what services could be transitioned to an online-only banking platform without compromising customer service to its customers.

Related Resources:

Competitive Events Update

Get a head start on the 2024-2025 competition season with DECA's competitive topics and resources for business operations research, professional selling, hospitality and tourism professional selling and financial consulting.

‍

BUSINESS OPERATIONS RESEARCH EVENTS

The 2024-2025 topic for each career category is the development of a strategic plan to enhance or introduce the use of AI in an existing business or organization. Participants will collaborate with a local business or organization to analyze current AI strategies and practices. Participants will then develop and present a strategic plan for AI usage.

FINANCIAL CONSULTING (FCE)

For 2024-2025, you will assume the role of a financial consultant who works with student-athletes. A potential new client, a college-level athlete who is receiving money from NIL (name, image and likeness) deals has scheduled a meeting with you to learn about how to get started with basic investing. The client would like you to explain different investing options to develop and build a financial portfolio.

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM PROFESSIONAL SELLING (HTPS)

For 2024-2025, you will assume the role of a sales representative for a company specializing in sustainable products. The purchasing manager for a local hotel chain has scheduled a meeting with you to learn about sustainable product options that can be integrated into any of their departments.

PROFESSIONAL SELLING (PSE)

For 2024-2025 you will assume the role of a sales representative of a customer relationship management (CRM) platform. A local small business owner has scheduled a meeting with you to see the potential benefits of adding a CRM platform to reach current and potential customers. The owner wants to learn how your CRM platform will engage customers to positively influence buyer behavior, build brand loyalty, and meet the business's goals.

Related Resources:

DECA's Written Event Guidelines - Printout Versions

Related Resources: