Seconds after the announcement of the top 10, and again at the naming of the court, one question runs through the minds of every contestant BUT the queen, “What could I have done to get better results at this pageant?”

This is a perfectly normal response for a goal oriented person who wants to excel. A self critique can certainly be useful for future events if used in a constructive fashion.

There is one principle that participants of all pageants must accept: Judging is subjective. It is not based on fact but rather on the opinion of the person judging. People have different values, likes, dislikes, biases, and the list goes on. So, you could do everything perfect and it still may not be enough to win the crown because the queen is selected subjectively.

Let’s say you have a panel of five judges. Four of them love you and give you high scores. But for some reason, one judge doesn’t connect with you and scores you very low; it may cost you the crown when the scores are averaged out. This is a reality you need to mentally prepare for.

One person’s opinion DOES NOT determine your value as a person. It’s only their opinion. Because it’s impossible to get into the mind of another person, it’s a waste of your energy to try to figure out why they didn’t like you. Accept the fact that you have no control over another person’s thoughts or actions and move on.

I’ve seen a contestant receive the comment “too polished and rehearsed” from one judge; from another judge on the same panel “needs more work- not professional enough”; and from a third judge “don’t change a thing. Perfect.” I mean, really. Are they listening to and looking at the same person?

That’s opinions for you . Everyone has one and it’s subjective.
Now, let’s talk about some of the possible objective reasons that may have influenced your final placement.

• Interview - You need to continually work on your speaking and communications skills. Every day events happen to you that cause changes in your lives. From year to year, you’re a different person and this should be reflected in your interview skills. What worked for you last year may not work this year. Here are some possible areas of change that you’ll want to be aware of so you can adapt your interview skills.
  • Aging Up a Division - If your age division last year was 7-9 and you were 9, you were one of the most mature girls in your group. This worked in your favor. However, this year you’re 10 and the span is ages 10-12, now you’re at the bottom of your group. The maturity level between a 10 year old and 12 year old can be huge in today’s world. The expectations are higher. With each age bracket change, the substance and quality of the communication skills needs to increase.
  • Changing pageant systems - Each system has a slightly different focus and purpose of the interview. For example, if you’re used to a 40 second interview with each judge, it’s a whole different world interviewing for 5 minutes with a judge, or switching to a panel format.
  • Different type of interview - Panel, one-on-one, on-stage and press style are all different types of interview styles you’ll encounter at a pageant. It’s important to know what type of interview it is and how long it will last. Many contestants have made the mistake of thinking they could just walk into a pageant interview, be themselves and talk normal. After all, how hard can talking be, right? Wrong.

• Walk - There are different walking styles for glitz, natural, and runway style pageants. If a contestant has done nothing but glitz pageants from ages 0-12, that bouncy, side-to-side glitz walk is not going to cut it if she decides to do a natural pageant. Or if you’re used to a natural walking style and enter a pageant where the walk is more fashion forward (more like runway) you’re not going to score as high.

• Personal Styling - Your hair, makeup and clothing all need to be appropriate for your age and the pageant system you’re participating in. I agree, it would be wonderful if we could use the same gown, swimsuit, interview outfit and casual wear outfit for every type of pageant we entered. However, that’s not always the case.

The bottom line is this, judging is totally subjective and outside of your control. One, and only one, contestant will have the title for the year. That means everyone else in the pageant will have to deal with their feelings after the pageant.

The only thing you have control of is your thoughts, feelings and actions. If you can walk away from the pageant knowing you’d presented your very best to the judges, and learned something new about yourself that will better your life, then you’ve won something more important than a crown from the pageant.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive  my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here or at the top of this page to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

On a personal note, my grandpa’s funeral is today. He was 100 years old. Incredible to think of everything he experienced in the past 100 years- cars, TVs and computers. Give those close to you an extra squeeze and tell them you love them. 

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a member of the International Coach Federation. She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®. She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educate s their children and has been married 21 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through  www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

2010 - 2011 Cinderella International Royalty

It's preliminary time for the Cinderella International Scholarship Pageant system http://www.cinderellapageant.com. Two of my daughters were Ohio royalty and loved their experience with Cinderella. Today, Ohio state director, Judy Kyees, will share some of her insights into this pageant system.

Judy Kyees is from Westerville, Ohio and has been involved in the world of pageantry for over forty years. She is a former pageant contestant herself, and has been a mentor/coach to hundreds of pageant hopefuls over the years. She has had the honor of coaching contestants who have captured State, National and International titles in the Miss America, Miss USA, Teen USA, Teen/Miss/Mrs. International, Mrs. America, Cinderella International, National Teenager, National Pre-Teen, and United States Teen to name a few. She has also had a prominent hand in helping several aspiring singer/dancer/actors to achieve their dreams of becoming professional entertainers. Her clients have gone on to perform on Broadway, national tours, Disney-Tokyo, King's Island, Opryland as well as numerous cruise ship, casino shows, and many regional theater productions.

She has been the director of the Miss Columbus Teen Pageant for the past 9 years. In that time, the organization has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Judy has also been the director for the Cinderella pageant in the state of Ohio for the past 7 years, where every year she has had Top 10, Top 5 and international winners.

About the Cinderella Pageant
The Cinderella Scholarship Pageant was founded in 1976 and is divided into five age categories: Cinderella Tot (age3-6); Cinderella Miniature Miss (ages 7-9); Cinderella Miss (ages 10-12); Cinderella Teen (ages 13-17); and Cinderella Woman (ages 18-26 married or single). Also included are baby divisions: Cinderella Infant (0-11 months); Cinderella Baby (12-23 months); Cinderella Tiny Tot (24-35 months); and Prince Charming (boys ages 0-6).

Cinderella is based on a three tiered system of competition. Participants start out at the local level and based on their level of performance can advance to the state level of competition (or national level in a foreign country) and then proceed to the final level of competition, the International Pageant.

More than just a beauty pageant, Cinderella is a youth development scholarship program that has awarded millions of dollars in its 30+ year history; and offers many opportunities for achievement and recognition to deserving children, teens and young adults.

Unique with the pageant is the official Cinderella Runway/Modeling Music with electronic tones and signals designed to aid participants in their onstage modeling presentations.

Judy stressed that the modeling in Cinderella is very natural. There are no routines or anything flashy about it. At each preliminary competition, there is a workshop for the contestants to learn the walking style and pattern with the music before the pageant begins. "It's so easy that even a three year old can do it," Judy says.

 
In a Letter from the President on the Cinderella website, Fred Vollmann states "In Cinderella we are searching for a natural, unaffected young lady to represent our program. She should be charming and personable; well groomed and poised; self-confident; but above all have the character, humility and inner beauty that sets her apart as a leader. A Cinderella winner is at ease in a crowd and is respectful of those around her. Her manners and dress are age appropriate. It is important to note that the concept of "beauty" in Cinderella is defined as a person's inner beauty and strength of character combined with her personal achievements in at least one area of the performing arts as well as her ability to communicate with others. Cinderella does not place emphasis on physical beauty, but rather seeks to promote the beautiful inner person that should reside in everyone."

Tips from Judy:

• Stay natural in everything- in your movement, presentation, and appearance.
• Dresses on children ages 0-12 are to be short dresses just above the knee or tea length that have a great fit and are a simple style. No ornate decorations.
• Make up can be worn during talent in all age divisions but just enough to enhance their features under the bright stage lights.
• On children under the age of 13, stage makeup is to be limited to clear lip gloss, a small amount of blush, and a touch of mascara to enhance their natural features under the stage lights. Do not wear makeup for interview. Hair pieces, body/hair glitter, or any artificial devices are not appropriate in Cinderella. The teens and women's divisions can wear full makeup.

Areas of Competition for the Cinderella Pageant

Talent- 50%

• You'll have 2:30 minutes to present your talent routine of your choice (drama, vocal, dance, instrumental, gymnastics, baton, novelty, etc.)
• Cinderella Tots will have an on stage interview for their talent score.

Beauty- 50%

This score is the combined total of these three areas:

Interview - 1/3

• Children under 12 will go into meet the panel of judges in groups of five.

• Contestants 13-26, will have a brief one-on-one interview with each judge.

Casual Wear - 1/3

• As Cinderella President Fred Vollman says, "Real clothes on real kids."

• No blue jeans. You'll see pant suits on the contestant ages 13-26 and Capri sets on the children under the age of 12. No ornate clothing or props ( hats, purses, etc.)

• Children under 12 will introduce themselves by saying their name, age and where they're from. No elaborate introductions. The teens and women can share a little more about themselves but it must fit within the allocated timing of the music.

Formal Wear - 1/3

• Short dresses for ages 0-12 and full pageant gowns for 13-26.

In the state of Ohio, preliminary competitions are taking place across the state through March. To find a preliminary in the state of Ohio, click on this link.http://www.cinderellapageant.com/State_Ohio.html.

If you live in another state, you can contact your state director by going to this link: http://www.cinderellapageant.com/FindPageants.html.

There is also an optional competition in Ohio that is taking place on April 10th, 2011. This is for the AAMTC Cameo Girl, Model of the Year, and Talent of the Year. For more information, go to http://www.cinderellapageant.com/State_Ohio.html.

There are numerous ways to work with me for your pageant preparations. If you're ready to take it to the next level, contact me today.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive  my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here or at the top of this page to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a member of the International Coach Federation. She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®. She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 21 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

2010 Miss Columbus Teen Royalty

The Miss Columbus Teen Pageant http://misscolumbusteen.com is open to all teens who reside in the state of Ohio and are between the ages of 13 and 18. Like I state in my special report, 10 Insider Secrets To Winning, whenever learning about a pageant system, it's important to talk to the person who knows everything about it-the director.

Judy Kyees is from Westerville, Ohio and has been involved in the world of pageantry for over forty years. She is a former pageant contestant herself, and has been a mentor/coach to hundreds of pageant hopefuls over the years. She has had the honor of coaching contestants who have captured State, National and International titles in the Miss America, Miss USA, Teen USA, Teen/Miss/Mrs. International, Mrs. America, Cinderella International, National Teenager, National Pre-Teen, and United States Teen to name a few. She has also had a prominent hand in helping several aspiring singer/dancer/actors to achieve their dreams of becoming professional entertainers. Her clients have gone on to perform on Broadway, national tours, Disney-Tokyo, King's Island, Opryland as well as numerous cruise ship, casino shows, and many regional theater productions.

She has been the director of the Miss Columbus Teen Pageant for the past 9 years. In that time, the organization has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes.Judy has also been the director for the Cinderella pageant in the state of Ohio for the past 7 years, where every year she has had Top 10, Top 5 and international winners.

The Miss Columbus Teen Pageant takes place every January at Capital University, Mees Auditorium in Bexley, Ohio. Talented teens who are dedicated to their scholastic achievements, community involvement, honing their interview, modeling and performing arts skills are encouraged to participate.Previous pageant experience isn't required. The professional pageant staff will conduct a modeling seminar that day and work with the girls to help them feel prepared and comfortable.

There will be professional hair and makeup personnel in the dressing room to help the ladies with their hair, makeup and clothing changes. No one other than the contestants and pageant staff are allowed in the dressing room.

The pageant offers a $1000 cash scholarship to the queen and opportunities for personal appearances, public speaking engagements, participation in parades and stage show performances throughout the year. 1st-4th runners up also receive cash scholarships (amount dependent upon number of contestants). There is recognition for Casual Wear, Talent, Evening Gown, Interview, Essay, Photogenic, Spirit, Young Woman of Excellence, and Community Involvement winners. Every contestant will receive special gifts just for participating.

Many of the queens have gone on to win other State and International pageants during their reign while others have successfully pursued their dreams of becoming professional entertainers. A full list of the past titleholders and their accomplishments are listed on this page. http://misscolumbusteen.com/news.html

I asked Judy what motivated her to become a state director. She shared with me that she loves giving pageant contestants the opportunity to showcase who they are. By using pageants as a springboard into something greater, Judy does everything she can to help them reach beyond the crown and become successful at whatever they choose to pursue in life.

When I asked Judy what changes she has seen over the years and what has remained the same, she enthusiastically answered, "The pageant world is finally getting it! They're letting these young ladies express who they really are. Pageants will always attract the self motivated, high achieving, well rounded individuals who enjoy showcasing their talents and personalities; but it's nice to see greater freedom and the move to making pageants more relevant for today's generation. Winners could be anyone."

Areas of Competition for Miss Columbus Teen

Talent- 50%

You'll have 2:30 minutes to present your talent routine of your choice (drama, vocal, dance, instrumental, gymnastics, baton, novelty, etc.)

Interview-30%

There will be a 5 minute private interview with a panel of judges. Questions will concern teen issues, education, and your personal goals. This is a "getting to know you" type interview. Wear an outfit that's not "glitzy", depicts your personality, and would be appropriate for a real job interview for a teen, not an adult. It can be a suit, pant suit, tailored dress, or skirt/blouse/sweater etc. Shoes should be at least a 3" heel.

Casual Wear- 10%

Choose an outfit that you would wear to a "dressy casual" affair like a school function or to a party. Make sure it's age appropriate and shows your sense of style and personality. If you choose to wear "jeans", make sure that they're fashionable. No props are allowed; however, modeling for this area of competition has more the feel of a runway show. Your modeling should fit the style of your outfit. Have fun and be creative.

Evening Wear- 10%

A full-length pageant gown like you would see at Miss Teen USA or Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Try to show your own personal fashion style. The style of modeling is elegant and graceful. No routines. Prom style gowns are allowed, as well as beaded and sequined gowns.

Tips from Judy:

• Follow the rules and guidelines.
• Look like the photo you submit with your paperwork.
• Have a positive attitude and enjoy every moment that you're there.
• Make friends.
• Be your natural, beautiful self. We want to see the real you.

The deadline to enter the Miss Columbus Teen Pageant is November 15th. The total amount to compete is $225. Visit http://misscolumbusteen.com to contact Judy for a complete registration packet.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive  my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here or at the top of this page to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

A note from Steve:

"Well I am a few weeks into my Body by Vi challenge. I just stepped on the scale and my weight is at 225.5 lbs. Remember, I started at 233 back on Monday Sept. 27th. Pretty amazing really. Especially since I have been slacking off on what WAS to be my exercise program that WAS to accompany my nutrition. To date, I've never lost weight this quickly without exercising and getting really hungry. Now I feel satisfied, lots of energy and just a little lighter on my feet :-). If you want to see my daily progress, 'friend' me on Facebook.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a member of the International Coach Federation. She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®. She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 21 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through  www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert  or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

You will spend more money preparing for a pageant than you will earn in monetary winnings. Most people don’t do pageants for the money. Instead it’s for the priceless opportunities that present themselves by growing through the process.

Is the investment worth it? That’s up to you. Knowing what you value and the reasons for doing the pageant will lead you to your answer. If your only intention is to win a crown, trophy and sash (having a monetary value of about $150), I’d say no. But if you want to use your pageant experience as a vehicle to develop a deeper understanding of who you are, what your life purpose is, create dynamic communication skills, learn how to live a balanced life, strengthen your relationships, and establish a way of thinking that enables you to create the life you want to live,  it’s worth the investment. That’s what I experienced in pageantry, and as a pageant coach, that’s the method I use with my clients.

How much money does it take? Again, it depends on the type of pageant you’re competing in and what your goals are. For small festivals or local pageants about $500, for a state competitions $1000, and for nationals pageants around $4000. These are very conservative, middle of the road estimates but in my experience, you can use these numbers as a good guide.

What are the expenses I can expect? Besides the obvious hair, makeup, shoes and dress, here is a list of other expenses that pageant people may incur: Transportation to and from the pageant, hotel room and food for you and your family during the pageant; ad page costs; admission tickets to all events; gifts for the other contestants; competition wardrobe for interview, fitness , evening gown including shoes, undergarments, jewelry, accessories, and props for each outfit; if you’re doing talent, costumes, props, accessories, and music; optional competitions; professional services for coaching, modeling, fitness training, hair, makeup, tanning,talent development and wardrobe; opening number and production outfits; comp cards; headshots; photographer and videographer packages; your travel expense to and from appearances; additional clothing for appearances; and other expenses. It all adds up quickly. Realize that not all these are necessary for every pageant. I want to let you know what you’re in for so you have a realistic understanding of what to financial expect.

Most people pay for the pageant expenses themselves. But it is possible to receive financial assistance from businesses and people within your sphere of influence. The key is allowing enough time to do this. Ideally, several months before you need the money. Here is a starting place to help you with your quest for sponsorship.

• List one is all about you. Write down all the skills you have that you could market to service organizations and business people in exchange for their financial sponsorship support. For example, I’m a dancer, singer, public speaker, writer, MC, promotional model, runway model, print work model, musician, hostess, and actress. Have two or three songs/dances/speeches already put together that you can perform in a variety of potential situations. Models have your portfolio together and practice your modeling routines so you can demonstrate your modeling abilities. A quick comment, your skill level must be worthy of being compensated.

• List two is all about your network. Write down all the companies that you do business with. Put salons, clothing stores, retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, banks, and direct sales people on the list. Look at the service organizations in your surrounding community such as Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Departments of Tourism, church groups, school organization, and men’s and women’s organizations. Get the yellow pages, search on online, and talk to people to find out who the mover and shakers are in your community. Start talking to the business owners and build a friendship. Ask them about their company needs for upcoming events. Get names, email addresses and phone numbers from the above people and when the organizations meet. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but it will get easier the more you do it.

• List three is all about events. Start gathering information about upcoming events from different schools, churches, service organizations, business expos, and festivals. Put them on your list. Don’t limit yourself to just your hometown. If you are competing for a state title, the whole state is an opportunity?. There is a seasonal cycle for events. Sports are year round. In spring and summer you have a lot of festivals and outdoor celebrations. In fall, people start thinking of the holidays so they are looking for entertainment for their parties. Winter brings bridal and fashion shows. Look in trade newspapers, go online, and check out the tourism websites in your area to get an even longer list of events.

Once you have your lists created, see what skills you can offer to the different businesses and organizations at their events. For example, be a greeter, handout materials, emcee, be the featured speaker or talent. It’s even more fun if you do this with organizations that are part of your platform or community service projects. People will want to support you if you are clear, confident, and professional when you approach them. You will be providing a service in exchange for their sponsorship.

Also, come up with a way to recognize and advertise their sponsorship of you for the year by offering to put their business information on your ad page, website, blog, comp card or all of the above.

Don’t rule out bartering for sponsorship. Meaning if a dress store will let you have or discount the price of a dress in exchange for being a model at several events, celebrate. A penny saved is a penny earned.

Be creative. Sell things you no longer use or need on eBay or Craigslist to get money. Organize a  event where you can have performers donate their time, sell raffle tickets, and fix a meal. Host a fund raising pageant or style show. For a year, live on strict budget and buy what you need, not what you want. You’d be amazed at how quickly you can come up with the money.

Through this whole process you’ll learn to overcome fear, prioritize your wants verses needs, manage you time, develop your planning, marketing, and networking skills. Learning how to feel the fear and shift it to your advantage is a skill that will help you far beyond the pageant.

Have fun, be creative, and grow through the process. If you have questions, need clarification or want help, please contact me so we can discuss a pageant preparation plan that is just for you.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive  for my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click the GET YOUR FREE REPORT button at the top of this page. Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a member of the International Coach Federation.

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®. She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 21 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. Their music CD entitled Cana is available through  www.cdbaby.com/cd/shappert or on her website. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .