A few months ago, one reader of this blog left a comment on this blog asking for tips on competing in quiz bees. However, I just read the comment a few weeks ago. I left my advice, but I have no idea if she was able to read it. So in this blog entry, since I’m a person who is happy to share things, I’ll give you some of my tips to be successful in quiz bee competitions.
1. PASSION!
The most important of them all! You have to give everything you have whenever you’re up competing in these competitions. You must love the feeling of competing, as it is always an honor whenever you carry the name of your school. Few people are given a chance to do so, The drive must come from within yourself, not from the people around you. As proven in any endeavor in life, pursuing your passion will go a long way!
2. You don’t have to necessarily be the TOPNOTCHER to compete.
Most of the times, those who are leading their classes will be picked to compete in quiz bees. Unfortunately, sometimes the lack of passion to compete in these kind of competitions leads to poor results in competition.
On my own experience, I wasn’t in the Top 50 of our batch for the entire duration of my college life. Fortunately, my coach back then, did dug deep into our batch to find me. I even had the notion that there are a lot of people better than me to compete since on paper I’m not the best student around. Yet I seized the opportunity and the rest was history! If you’re in the same situation as I was, do seize the opportunity.
There is always a significant difference between being good grades-wise and being good competition-wise.
Of course, convincing your teachers is always important. You should come out to them and express your desire in competing. As long as you have #1 and the willingness to learn beyond the things taught in classroom. You will put up a good fight every time to compete.
3. Learn something NEW every day, go beyond the books in class!
Yes! Questions that may come out on the quiz bee aren’t always based on textbooks or powerpoint presentations presented in class. It may come out from other sources. Keep yourself updated even on weekends! Go check out the news every single day and read other books that aren’t discussed in class. Who knows? It may come out come competition day and could be the difference from falling short or bask in glory.
4. Have the presence of mind to learn new things that you know will be tackled in your future studies.
Say for example you’re a second year student, most of the topics in a competition per say will be topics you know will be tackled in either your third or fourth year of your studies. People would tend to be discouraged to learn things beyond their years. However, in the lead-up to the competition, you have to be ready to learn these things. Take every opportunity to learn these things. It will also be beneficial for you as you will gain an advantage in your class when you will be tackling these lessons/information you learned in training.
5. Your school academics is always a priority, yet devote enough time for preparing for the competition.
Competing in quiz bees will never be a top priority over your academic performance in school. It is important to maintain a good standing in class. However, do allot enough time, time where you’ll be comfortable, where you will set aside your academics and prepare wholeheartedly for competing in quiz bees.
6. If you’re competing as a team, get to know each and every one’s specialties.
In team competitions, in order to build team chemistry, you have to know to which parts your teammate is good at and things they need to improve on. Let them focus on the things they’re strong at, while you focus on all your assets. If there are some topics where every one on the team needs to improve on, learn it together!
Doing things beyond training like going on a simple lunch together can do wonders to build team chemistry. I’m sure it applies to all aspects of life. Travel, Sports, Career, Business, etc.
7. In competition, savor the moment!
Pressure kills and will be the difference between success and failure in competition. On competition day, come in composed, relaxed and see everything as you have nothing to lose! If you don’t win a place, that’s alright. Treat it as a learning experience for you to get better so you can come back next time swinging. Savor every moment! Imagine, you’re the one representing the hopes and dreams of an institution. Few people are given the opportunity to do so! If you got a question right, that’s great. If you got a question wrong, drop it right away but do remember it back after the competition.
Getting a place is a bonus! Ending up as the champion is a blessing! What’s important win or lose is that at the end of the day, you know you put up a good fight!
8. Lastly, be thankful and stay humble!
Be thankful to your teachers who gave you the opportunity to compete regardless if you win or lose. Be thankful to your family and friends who came out to support your endeavor.
If you do win! You can enjoy the moment! Bask in the glory of your victory! But at the end of the day, be a humble pie.
These tips I give to you all, you can take it or leave it away. However, if you will be given an opportunity to be in the same shoes as I am. Remember, that winning isn’t everything, you’ll learn in defeat to be a better guy. As a quote goes “Fall seven times, stand up eight!”
To those, who love to be in the same shoes I am, I do wish you all the best in all of your endeavors!
Giving back,
K-Smoove
Manila Red Nation 