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Winning Tips 1
Tiebreakers
There are a number of different types of
skill-based/ tiebreaker competition. These include order-of-merit
[arrangement of a number of supplied characteristics in the order chosen by the judge(s) as most appropriate],
and estimates [how many balloons will fit
in a car, etc.,]. However, the most frequent style is to ask the
competition entrants to complete a sentence in a prescribed number
of words or less. These are then judged, and the entry that most
'tickles the judges fancy' is chosen as the winner. Such
competitions are also referred to as 'Slogan Competitions', and are
generally the favourite of the dedicated comper.
Enter as many
competitions as you can
Though there is an element of
luck, success is mainly due to perspiration and practice. Slogan
writing skills can be learned by following our tips below. Enter as
many competitions as you can and don’t get disheartened by the
inevitable barren period. If you weather the storm you will
eventually win. There are many skilful compers out there so you have
to play the numbers game. The "lucky" winner actually wins a very
small percentage of the competitions they enter. Remember your odds
of winning a comp are much better than winning the lottery and at
least you can usually eat your qualifying purchase!
Writing Slogans
Generally a good slogan has
rhyme, rhythm and quite often a pun. The best way of learning what
is required is to look at past winning entries. You'll find some
examples in our 'Slogans' section. A much bigger selection
(over 45,000) can be accessed by joining the
Dot Comper Competitions
service. Though in the interests of "aptness and originality" we do
not recommend wholesale copying, they will be a tremendous source of
inspiration and example. By studying these you will soon learn what
the judges are looking for and hopefully play them at their own
game. Generally a good slogan has RHYME, RHYTHM and a PUN, so get
out those old school English books. You must also ANSWER the opening
line and FLATTER the promoter/product. In a nutshell...."Rhyming
pays, but don't forget to praise!"
Seek Expert
Advice!
For that added insight into how
to write successful slogans, there are a number of excellent books
available. We recommend the "I'm a winner because...." by
Brita Bevis. This is
the definitive handbook no
serious comper can afford to be without - how to write prize
winning slogans, all the 'tricks-of-the-trade', encapsulating 20
years of successful comping !!!
With Britt's advice on how to win competitions, there’s absolutely
no reason why you can’t be a winner too…!
Variety is the spice of life
As we've said before, quantity is
all, but not at the cost of quality. It is best to submit perhaps
two carefully selected slogans into each of many different
competitions. Choose those which express different styles, one might
be humorous while the other is sincere; you never know what might
tickle the fancy of the judges. If you are submitting multiple
entries however, do be sure to check the conditions of the promoter,
some of whom state only one entry per household.
More winning tips
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