So you’re getting ready to practice answering questions for your pageant.  But did you know that there needs to be a method to the madness of practicing interview questions?   Try to think of your pageant interview as a pyramid:  the base is your foundational interview, the two middle sections represent community service and current events, and the crowning touch is your ability to handle controversial and/or “trick” questions.  Here’s what I mean:

copyright 2006 Valerie Hayes, The Pageant Coach

Start by building your foundational interview.  Think of your foundational interview as the “about me” questions the judges will be asking.  These are questions about your family, your education, your career plans, where you live, and basic information about your hobbies and interests.  Often the judge will begin your interview session by asking one or more foundational questions.  If they see that you are struggling to answer this basic type of question they will probably not move forward to more challenging questions.  In order to get the type of questions that will ultimately lead to an interview victory, you’ve got to be able to master the “about me” questions.  Take time to practice your foundational interview with family and friends.  Hand them a copy of your bio and have them ask as many questions as possible based on the information on your bio.  You need to be prepared to answer these foundational questions in order to move on to the next level and be perceived as a perspective titleholder.

Move on to the community service or platform level.  While there are some pageants that conduct the personal interview strictly off the bio, even in those pageants it’s common to get a community service or platform-related question somewhere along the way.  Make sure that you’re prepared to give a basic 10 to 15 word description of your community service activities or platform and that you’re able to expand that to a paragraph if the judge questions you further.  You need to create a consistent message about how you’re currently spending your time and the issues you would be a spokesperson for during your reign.  Your volunteer activities not only demonstrate your commitment to your community, but they can also highlight your ability to work with a variety of people from a variety of different backgrounds; which is an invaluable asset in a titleholder!

Now tackle the current events interview level.  This is often a challenging and scary area for beginner and experienced contestants alike.  Current events questions cover complex topics where there aren’t always obvious “right” or “wrong” answers.  In order to handle these questions you need to be aware of the five to ten most popular stories in the news.  After you know the facts, you need to develop your personal opinion about the situation and prepare for questions about your views.  You don’t always have to state an opinion that agrees with the judges, but you do need to share your opinion in an informed, considerate, well thought-out fashion.  By making sure you’re up-to-date on what’s happening in the news and that you understand the issues behind the story, you’ll be able to handle any current events question that comes you way!

Finish off by preparing for controversial or “trick” questions.  Controversial questions can be difficult to handle, whether in the personal interview or on-stage.  And there’s nothing worse than a “trick” question that appears to have no good answer available to you.  Questions in this category include “What do you think about the war in _____?” or “Why are you a better choice for the title than your roommate?”  To avoid this panicky situation, practice at home by having people ask you controversial questions and then discipline yourself to answer the question completely without stopping or giving up along the way.  Don’t give yourself any extra time to think of your answer, just jump right in as soon as they’ve asked the question.  With just a little effort on your part you’ll be able to answer those tough interview questions every time!

XOXO,

Valerie

P.S. Don’t forget to get your copy of my 501 Perfect Practice Pageant Questions or to check out my fast and easy way to keep up with Current Events for your pageant!

Welcome to my blog and my new and improved website!  I’m so glad that you stopped by to see everything that’s here for FABulous contestants just like you!  Just in case this is your very first visit to the website, here’s a little bit about me:

I love working with pageant contestants.  Why?  Because pageant contestants are like no other people you’ll ever meet.  They have a positive, “can do” attitude and are interested in learning new skills and developing their talents to the fullest.  Sure they like to win…after all, doesn’t everyone?  (And make no mistake; this website is about helping you to win.)  But elite contestants and titleholders (and winners in any competitive sport) know that it’s the journey more than the destination that counts.  The crown and sash only last for 12 months but the skills and abilities you develop on the way to that title are what last a lifetime.  That’s what makes pageant contestants so special: although they’re working hard to win, they really do see the bigger picture.

That's me in the black evening gown - four feet shorter than everyone else!

But it doesn’t end there; pageant contestants are actively working towards their own success at the same time they’re supporting and encouraging the success of others.  You see, elite pageant contestants are not the self-centered, self-obsessed people you see portrayed in the movies and on TV.  (The media just likes to present those exaggerated stereotypes to get good ratings.)  Thousands and thousands of hours of community service are done each year by pageant contestants.  Whether it’s their community service activities, appearances representing their title, or just a comment here and there encouraging sister contestants and titleholders, pageant contestants are special because they know that giving back to others is ultimately the best way to make a difference.

Pageant friends are The Best!

And while all those TV shows and movies like to focus on pageant hair and the challenges of walking in sky-high heels don’t let anyone tell you that pageant skills don’t cross over to the Real World.  They absolutely do!  We’ve all seen successful women in all walks of life who are former contestants and titleholders.  My students have become broadcasters, charity spokespersons, doctors, lawyers, community leaders, successful entrepreneurs, business people, and the list could go on and on.  Thank about it for just a moment: the skills that it takes to win a pageant, (the ability to talk to a variety of people, to work under stressful situations, to bounce back after setbacks, to remain poised and confident even when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone) are the very same skills it takes to be successful in life.

Discussing pageantry during my Good Morning America interview.

So, welcome!  This is a place where you can find helpful information on your path to becoming an elite contestant…then an elite titleholder…and then an elite success in all aspects of your life!  This is your Home for the pageant information you’ve always wanted to know, the encouragement you’ve been looking for, and the mentoring you need to win the crown.  So put on your best pageant heels, get ready to start down your yellow brick road, click your heels three times together and say “there’s no place like Home!”

XOXO,

Valerie