Archive for the ‘Interview’ Category

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!