Pageant Interview Tips

As a contestant, an interview can be a scary thing.  In fact, it is people's most nerve racking category during pageant competition.  You walk in to a room with "judges," aka people who are going to judge you on your eye contact, material, vocabulary, outfit, posture, um's, uh's, and wells, vocal tone, confidence, and application.  Let's not forget to include EVERYONE in on the conversation by remembering to look at every judge in the eye when you are answering a question about world peace. <enter sarcasm here>

These were all critiques that I received when competing in pageants.  If you notice above, I said conversation.  If we would just replace the competition category with the word "conversation" instead of "interview," maybe people will feel more comfortable and be themselves.  The judges are looking to get to know you and your interests.  They are not looking to see who the next president is.   While some judges comment on your eye contact and vocabulary, in the end, they are looking for the most "likeable" contestant.  Someone who connects with the judges and seems like a great friend and role model.  Yeah, the technical critiques are helpful and will put you over the edge of some of the other contestants, but it is only natural to like the person who seems the most sincere, honest and confident.

So, do me a favor and next time you are competing in a pageant with interview, think this;  "This weekend, I am competing in evening wear, fashion wear, and conversation wear." Maybe that will make things easier! =)

Cheers!

Michelle Becker

www.missroyaltyinternational.com