So, you just saw the most amazing piece when watching NFL tapes and you think, “I should do that!”  Whether your “that” is just a bit of blocking, a style, or even the entire piece, your thinking is wrong.

People don’t get to final rounds because they do what everyone else does well; they do well because they do what they do well.

So it may be tempting to throw in a tech-heavy song-based signature moment like in Charlotte’s Webb, considering how it brought the house down, but you have to ask yourself what you can bring to the table that’s new.

If you’re a great actor or actress, a simpler piece and a more direct style is probably for you.  If you can sing well, find a way to work it in.  And if you’re a former gymnast, feel free to cut The Matrix in such a way that allows you to make full use of your ability to perform a back handspring.  Think of any hidden talents you may have (Like the contortionist in the image above) and figure out how you can work it into your performance to make it truly yours.

Especially in the speech events, like OO and Extemp, you must be very aware to make your choices your own, because when they’re not, it becomes clear that you aren’t being true to yourself and your personal style.  Just because Josh Gad took off his jacket and sat on stage does not mean a similar act would bode national success for you as well.

Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you are choosing it because it’s what you are good at, and not what was good for someone else.  If you do, you’ll do better and you’ll have more fun.  What’s not to like about that?

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