Key points:
-The Essay and Presentation are only one part of the deal, but I'll elaborate:
- Approach the essay like you would any essay in a language arts class (my recommendation, but as the rules say in the guide, there is no one precise and exact way to win the award, so definitely be creative in the approach of the essay, and only use other teams' stuff as an example or framework).
- Have a 'thesis' and back it up completely with good solid proof.
- Presentation should be an abbreviation of the essay
- Cover all bases, and capture the attention of the judges and the entire regional audience with your story and gifts.
-Your team's overall performance at the particular regional definitely matters:
- Spirit should be good
- Robot should be decent and playing well (not necessarily high ranking but considerable in alliance pickings)
- Your pit should be like a wikipedia entry if anyone just wants to find out what you guys are all about, they should be able to walk up and see what you are (put out some material for them to browse)
- Your team, ~uniform as far as clothing is concerned, but decently professional as well.
- Profundity is definitely a plus in your imagery
Again, these are my recommendations... use them at your own risk.
-Joe