In mastering the pageant interview, you need to ask the director what type of interview style the system uses. There are 5 different types of beauty pageant interview styles: one-on-one interview, panel interview, press conference style (or media) interview, on-stage questions, and talk show style. How to prepare for and have a winning pageant interview will be much easier once you know the style of interview and understand how each one is conducted. 

Also, ask the director if the interview will be closed (for the judges); or done in front of the audience. Will you be standing or sitting? Will you be using a microphone? How long is the interview?

One-On-One Interview

• This is a closed interview where the judges are seated at individual tables around the interview room. Contestants will enter the room in groups based on the number of judges, and you will rotate around the room in a round-robin style. Each contestant in that group is being interviewed at the same time in different spots within the room. When the time runs out, you stand up and move to the next table. For example, if there are 5 judges and each interview is 4 minutes in length, you’ll be interviewing for 20 minutes. Each interview will be different because each judge is different.

Panel Interview

• Can be either a closed or open interview setting. All the judges are seated at one long table. You enter the interview space and will either sit or stand in front of the panel to answer your questions. The interview is usually 5 minutes in length, and every judge hears the same answer. Depending on how long it takes you to answer each question, every judge may not get an opportunity to ask you a question.

Press Style Conference or Media Interview

• Can be conducted in a closed interview setting, but it is usually held on stage where the audience can also participate. You will stand either holding a microphone or behind a podium and answer questions from the judges and audience. Questions can be random and are asked quickly. Think of a presidential press conference and that will give you a good idea of this type of interview.

On-Stage Questions

• You will be onstage with the emcee. You will be asked either predetermined questions that you pull out of a bowl; or the emcee will ask you impromptu questions based on the information you wrote on your emcee card.

Talk Show Interview Style

• Think Oprah, or any other talk show format, and you will know what this setting looks and feels like. The finalists are onstage as a group and sitting in chairs. The emcee will then ask each finalist a question or two. It is supposed to have a more casual, conversational feel so the contestants can express their personalities.

 

Pageants also have a tendency to shake things up from year to year. They may try a different style, or blend two of the styles to create a hybrid format. The more diversified and experienced you become in your interview skills; the less likely you are to be caught off guard or feel uncomfortable.

As a titleholder, you will be interviewed on stage, over the radio, on TV and for newspaper articles. Knowing how to express yourself in a concise and articulate fashion is very important. The best way to develop your Q&A skills is to practice, out loud, with an individual who can give you honest feedback and bring out your very best information.

If you want practice questions, be sure to request my interview card. Each month you will receive a new postcard with new questions to practice.

 

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.

 

The $75 pageant entry fee ends in two days.

• Do you need practice for your summer pageant?

• Are you looking for a pageant with no swimsuit or talent requirement?

• Do you like the idea that 20% of all the money raised from this pageant is going to the American

Here's your opportunity.

When you use the coupon code RELAY and register before
March 31, your pageant fee is only $75.

April 1st, the registration fee will be the full amount of $100.

• Every contestant will go home with a crown and prizes valued beyond the registration fee.

Click here for full details about this opportunity and share it with your friends.

---

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill that everyone can benefit from. The more you practice, the better you will get. These handy interview cards are a great way to practice with a partner or use by yourself to get you thinking about the topic.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview situation. Then each month you will receive a new card in the mail with fresh questions.

Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

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 22 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 .

 

 

Natural Pageants

      Natural Long Gown                     Natural Headshot

This week I received the same question from two different mothers whose daughters both want to be Miss America someday.

What is the difference between glitz and natural beauty pageants and which one do I recommend?

First of all, let me point out that the two young girls want to compete in the Miss America system someday. Secondly, I am a specialized natural pageant coach with my expertise being in resume writing, interview/communication skills, and positive mental attitude. Both glitz and natural pageants can help young girls develop confidence and stage presence in a fun environment; but there are big differences between the glitz and natural worlds of pageantry.

 

Natural Pageants

 

Pageant systems that fall under this category are NAM, COED, IJM, ANTSO, Cinderella, OLM, Outstanding Teen, Miss America, Teen-World, Miss USA, Mrs. America, Mrs. United States and Mrs. International. There are many more but this is a sampling of familiar systems to people within the pageant world.

• Generally speaking, the makeup guideline for children under 12 is zero to only mascara and lip gloss. Makeup used on teens and women is to enhance the natural beauty, not to become the focal point or to make them look like someone they’re not. The same goes for hairstyle. Always make sure to check with your director about the specifics for your pageant.

• Clothing is tasteful and has sparkle to it; but is not overly ornate. Wardrobe is usually purchased off the rack at a store and subtly embellished or customized by the contestant to reflect their sense of personality and style. The wardrobe is to always bring attention back to the girl wearing it. Not the other way around.

• Modeling style for gown is elegant and smooth. Arms and hands are close to your body moving in natural opposition (when you step forward with your right foot, your left arm is moving forward and so forth).

• Facial expressions are natural with the energy of the eyes and smile matching.

• Communication skills are developed through an on-stage introduction, personal interview and on-stage question.

 

Who does well in natural pageants? Contestants who enjoy speaking, are skilled in an artist talent, make good grades, have a charitable cause they’re passionate about, and are well rounded individuals tend to excel in natural pageants. These skills can easily transfer into life outside of the pageant stage.

 

Glitz Pageants

 

There are numerous glitz pageants across the country. If your child is blessed with facial beauty, then this may be the place to start. Glitz pageants offer the opportunity for young children to get use to being on stage before they can speak.

           Glitz Cupcake Dress                       Glitz Headshot

 

• In glitz pageants, you will see the use of hairpieces, heavy make-up, deep spray tans, fake teeth (called flippers), false eyelashes, and color contacts worn by the majority of the contestants.

• Clothing for glitz pageant is usually the short cupcake skirt dress. A cupcake dress is a dress that is several inches above the knee, has multiple layers of lace and is heavily stoned and bedazzled. Most of the dresses you see on the TV show Toddlers and Tiaras are cupcake dresses and are filmed at glitz pageants.

• Glitz pageants have their own style of modeling. Because of the full cupcake skirt, contestants learn to walk with their hands held away from their body with their finger tips gentle curving around the outer ruffle of their dress. When they walk, their arms don’t move in the natural oppositional way. Instead, they move in the same direction (if you step out with your right foot, the right arm moves slightly with it).

• Facial Expressions tend to be exaggerated with lots of eyelash batting, tilting of the head from side to side, and blowing kisses.

• Oral communication skills are limited in glitz pageants. If the contestant speaks, it is brief or only to say her name, age and where she is from. This may be because most of the contestants are babies and toddlers whose speech isn’t yet develop. Again, the focus is on outer beauty.

• Who does well in glitz pageants? Contestants who really enjoy getting all dressed up to create new characters on stage will love glitz pageants. The crowns are bigger than the child’s head and the trophies are twice their height. There are usually lots of prizes, too.

Just make sure your child can tolerant having their hair teased, eyelashes glued on, and wearing heavy makeup. Glitz pageants are high maintenance and expensive.  They are very popular and easy to find for children under the age of 5.

 
Because the glitz environment is about creating an illusion, it’s hard, but not impossible,  for children who have only done glitz pageants to successfully transition into natural pageants as they age up. The modeling style, limited speaking experience and facial expressions learned at a young age are hard habits to break.

So to answer the second part of the question as to which pageant type I would recommend, since these two little girls want to be Miss America someday (and what 10 year old doesn’t want to be) I would say stick to the natural pageant systems.

 

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.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill that everyone can benefit from. The more you practice, the better you will get. These handy interview cards are a great way to practice with a partner or use by yourself to get you thinking about the topic.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview situation. Then each month you will receive a new card in the mail with fresh questions.

Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

---

Time to warm up for the summer pageant season and at the same time raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

11am-2:30pm

Location:

Teays Valley West Middle School,

200 Grove Run Road |Commercial Point, OH 43116

 

20% of all registration fees will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event taking place the same day on the track.

AWARDS and PRIZES

WWW.PUREAMERICANGIRL.WEBS.COM

Each queen will receive a certificate for $100 off the fees to the national PureAmerican Girl pageant, June 3-5, 2011 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

Each contestant will receive a certificate for $50 off the fees to the national Pure American Girl Pageant, June 3-5, 2011 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

http://www.ohioamericancoed.com/

Each queen will receive a certificate for $200 off the fees to the Ohio American Coed pageant, August 19-21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.
Each contestant will receive a certificate for $100 off the fees to the Ohio American Coed pageant, August 19-21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.
Each contestant will receive a gift bag, tiara and sash for participating.

More prizes being added by the day. Click on the link to learn all the details to participate in this pageant. Feel free to pass it on to your friends.

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 22 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 .

 

I’m not sure what it is about our human nature that makes us want to do everything on our own. Some people say with great pride and wear it like a badge of honor; “I did it all by myself”. But how much do we really do ALL BY OURSELVES?

 

For some people, the only time they reach out for help is when they are in dire need or as a last resort. However, time and time again, we see that more is accomplished when 2 or more are gathered for the same purpose. If you’ve been trying to do pageants on your own and still aren’t getting the results you want, perhaps it’s time to seek out the help of a pageant coach. But when is the best time to hire a pageant coach?

In an ideal world, the very best time to hire a beauty pageant coach is before you enter your first pageant. Why? Because you’ll save time by not reinventing the wheel; you won’t waste money purchasing the wrong wardrobe and you’ll be less frustrated because you’ll know what to expect. As I’m walking out to my car from a pageant, I’ll typically hear comments like “I wished I’d known that before I got here”, “Next time I’ll say this”, or “Next time I’ll wear my hair and makeup like that”. The list goes on and on.

Many times when a contestant comes to me with their clothing already purchased (and the tags snapped off) there’s not a whole lot I can do for them in regards to helping with their wardrobe. And yet, a different gown is sometimes the difference between 1st runner up and the queen. Pageant gown, interview, mental attitude, talent, swimsuit, fitness, casual wear, modeling, introduction, onstage question, hair, makeup, shoes and accessories all must come together in the winning combination for you. Your combination is different from the next contestant so you can’t just copy what you see someone else doing on stage because that might not be right for you.

 

It’s best when a contestant can explore different options with a professional experienced coach before they purchase or commit to anything. If you do buy things, keep all tags on the garment and your receipts. Get to your coach ASAP to get feedback so you can return things if necessary.

 

If you’ve done a couple pageants and you’re still not getting the results you want, then it’s time to hire a pageant coach who can help you identify and refine the areas that need work. Remember, however, not all pageant coaches are the same, nor do they all work in the same way. This goes for your stylists, personal trainers or anyone else you choose to bring into your team. You need to do your research and trust your instincts.

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.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill that everyone can benefit from. The more you practice, the better you will get. These handy interview cards are a great way to practice with a partner or use by yourself to get you thinking about the topic.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview situation. Then each month you will receive a new card in the mail with fresh questions.

Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

---

Time to warm up for the summer pageant season and at the same time raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

11am-2:30pm

Location:

Teays Valley West Middle School,

200 Grove Run Road |Commercial Point, OH 43116

20% of all registration fees will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event taking place the same day on the track.

AWARDS and PRIZES

WWW.PUREAMERICANGIRL.WEBS.COM

Each queen will receive a certificate for $100 off the fees to the national PureAmerican Girl pageant, June 3-5, 2011 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

Each contestant will receive a certificate for $50 off the fees to the national Pure American Girl Pageant, June 3-5, 2011 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

http://www.ohioamericancoed.com/

Each queen will receive a certificate for $200 off the fees to the Ohio American Coed pageant, August 19-21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.
Each contestant will receive a certificate for $100 off the fees to the Ohio American Coed pageant, August 19-21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.
Each contestant will receive a gift bag, tiara and sash for participating.

More prizes being added by the day. Click on the link to learn all the details to participate in this pageant. Feel free to pass it on to your friends.

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 toSucceed 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 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

When a girl, teen or woman decides to enter a beauty pageant, there will always be someone in her life who will make statements about the negative effects that competing in a pageant  will have on her self-image.The conversation gets even more heated when a mother puts her baby, toddler or young child into a beauty pageant.

 

Usually, the negative statements will come from people whose only exposure to the world of beauty pageants is what they've seen on TV shows like Toddlers and Tiaras or read in the tabloids. Believe me, I know the positive effects of pageantry, and at times, I will shake my head in disbelief at the behavior I see captured by the cameras.

The thing you have to understand about the media is that it's a business. In order to stay in business, a profit must be made. To make money, people need to watch the shows, or buy the magazines. Advertisers will only invest their money where the masses are watching and the ratings are high. Drama is what captures the attention of the viewing public; so the media is going to feature the outrageous, extreme actions of the few dramatic participants that will keep their audience wanting more.

To make the assumption that all pageants will have a negative effect on a woman's self-image and self-esteem isn't accurate. The 80/20 principle applies to the world of beauty pageants as well, meaning 80% of the drama comes from 20% of the participants. So if you're in a pageant with 10 contestants, there will be 2 people who will create the drama. But let me ask you, which contestants are people going to focus most of their attention on? The 2 contestants who are stirring the pot, of course. It's like a car accident. You know you're supposed to stay focused on the road in front of you, but you can't help looking as you drive by.

Parents ultimately decide if a minor participates in a beauty pageant. And just because the child expresses a desire to do a pageant, doesn't necessarily mean they should at that time.

 

Children and teens physically develop at different rates. This has a huge impact on a young girl's self-esteem and self-image. Parents need to be mindful of this transitional phase in a girl's life. Listen to what your child is saying before, during and after competitions. If you hear or see any of the warning signs listed below, seriously consider pulling your child from pageants until they are physically and emotionally ready for a competitive environment.

If you're a woman and you hear your inner voice saying or feeling any of the following warning signs, the same goes for you. There may be unfinished business in your life that needs to be dealt with before you compete so your experience will be a positive, healthy boost to your self-esteem.
Warning Signs:

• I'm not good enough because I didn't win.
• I need to beat the other women because you're either a winner or a loser.
• They don't like me because I wasn't chosen as the best.
• I'm a loser and worthless because I didn't win.
• I'm ugly because the judges didn't pick me.
• What did I do wrong? Why didn't they like me?
• There's something wrong with me.

There's something wrong with me. Basing your self-image and self-esteem on the subjective feedback and approval from a panel of strangers is not healthy. If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to the other contestants, stalking them on Facebook to learn everything about them, or doing pageant after pageant chasing the crown, that's a pretty good sign there's something else going on.

If the only time a girl or woman hears the words "you are beautiful", "I love you", or "I am so proud of you" is when she's wearing makeup, nicely dressed, physically fit, or when she wins the title, the potential for pageants having a negative impact on her self-image is great.

 

You need be honest with yourself. What do you want from the beauty pageant experience? For women, there's nothing wrong with a pageant competition to recharge your battery, or to experience a glamorous, fun event. The last time you may have dressed up in formal attire was your prom or wedding. It's very positive to take some time for yourself to enjoy the company of other accomplished women and celebrate you. However, if there is a little voice inside telling you that "capturing this crown will finally prove I'm beautiful"; or " I'll finally be someone important as Miss/Mrs__", rethink competing at this time.

Participating in a beauty pageant will build self-esteem and self-image if used as a tool to polish the complete healthy person that you already are. Pageants open career doors, provide an opportunity for community service, develop confidence and communication skills, and are fun. A professional, experienced pageant coach can help keep you on track. I can't stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with people who make you feel better about who you are when you're with them.

If however, you're using beauty pageants as a way to try to fill an empty hole or prove to someone that you're good enough, that's a danger zone and I would recommend you working with a certified Life Coach to work through some unsolved life issues before competing.

I just happen to be both a professional experienced pageant coach and a certified Life Coach. If you are preparing for a pageant, and want to fully experience positive pageantry, 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.

In life, we use different opportunities to develop skills and qualities within ourselves. Every opportunity is a different tool. Just like I would never use a hammer to cut a piece of wood, or a saw to pound in a nail, pageants are just one type of tool that can be used to build a contestant's confidence, speaking skills, and self-image. It's not the right tool for every girl or woman.

 

The building up or tearing down of your self-esteem and self-image takes place in all areas of your life: business, sports, dance, academics, beauty, cheerleading, service etc. The activities themselves are neither bad nor good. Instead, it's your attitude while participating in the activity that will produce either positive or negative effects in your life. You just need to find the right development tool for you.

 

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill that everyone can benefit from. The more you practice, the better you will get. These handy interview cards are a great way to practice with a partner or use by yourself to get you thinking about the topic.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview situation. Then each month you will receive a new card in the mail with fresh questions.

Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

---

Time to warm up for the summer pageant season and at the same time raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Saturday, May 14, 2011
11am-2:30pm
Location:
Teays Valley West Middle School,
200 Grove Run Road |Commercial Point, OH 43116
20% of all registration fees will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event taking place the same day on the track.

AWARDS and PRIZES

WWW.PUREAMERICANGIRL.WEBS.COM

Each queen will receive a certificate for $100 off the fees to the national Pure American Girl pageant, June 3-5, 2011 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

Each contestant will receive a certificate for $50 off the fees to the national Pure American Girl Pageant, June 3-5, 2011 in Gallipolis, Ohio.

http://www.ohioamericancoed.com/

Each queen will receive a certificate for $200 off the fees to the Ohio American Coed pageant, August 19-21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.
Each contestant will receive a certificate for $100 off the fees to the Ohio American Coed pageant, August 19-21, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio.
Each contestant will receive a gift bag, tiara and sash for participating.

More prizes being added by the day. Click on the link to learn all the details to participate in this pageant. Feel free to pass it on to your friends.

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 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy.For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

http://www.pureamericangirl.webs.com/

The first National Pure American Girl pageant will take place in Gallipolis, Ohio on June 3-5, 2011. Pat Miller, national director, created the Pure American Girl pageant system from her experience of competing in different systems over the past 6 years with her three daughters.

Pure American Girl is a wholesome, natural pageant with the focus on growing a girl's self esteem, confidence and helping each contestant reach her dreams. In my interview with Pat, she shared with me that pageantry is a great way for girls and women to learn how to be ladies, develop their public speaking skills, and (for some) feel beautiful for the first time in their lives.

The national pageant will be very family oriented and have an optional prayer service on Sunday morning.
In addition to offering a new pageant for contestants, the Miller family is offering business opportunities for people looking to be directors on the local and state levels.

Below are some of the details about this new and upcoming pageant.

• This first pageant will be an at-large competition where contestants can come straight to the national pageant without competing at a state or preliminary pageant.
• No flippers (fake teeth), hair extensions, wiglets, or hair pieces of any kind are allowed.
• No makeup on children under the age of 8.
• Ages 9-11 may wear mascara and lip gloss ONLY.
• Ages 12-19 may wear AGE appropriate make up. You want to look as natural as possible.
• Each queen commits to attend a minimum of 5 public events during her reign to promote the pageant; attend next year's competition to help with the pageant and crown her successor; and work to recruit contestants for the pageant.
• Titleholders can compete in other pageant systems while holding a Pure American Girl title.
• National fee is $295 with a $50 sibling discount. May 1, 2011 is the deadline to pay all fees.
• Contestant's age division will be determined by age as of January 1, 2011 through the National pageant date. Here's an example: A contestant may be 3 years old as of January 1, 2011, and turn 4 in March or April 2011. The contestant has the choice of moving up to the 4-5 age group, or staying in the 2-3 age group.

 

AGE DIVISIONS

Baby
Age 1

Toddler
Ages 2-3

Tot
Ages 4-5

Little
Ages 6-8

Junior
Ages 9-11

Young
Ages 12-14

Miss
Ages 15-18

Ms.
Ages 19-29 (married or unmarried)

Woman
Ages 30+ (married or unmarried)

 

SCORING

Scoring is as follows:

For ages 3 and under

• Dress Wear 25%
• Casual Wear (Fashion) 25%
• Personality 25%
• Model of the Year 25%

Ages 4 and up:

• Personal Interview 25%
• Formal or Dress Wear 25%
• On-Stage Info-mercial 25%
• Model of the Year 25% (three different outfits)

 

Categories of Competition

• PERSONAL INTERVIEW

Personal Interview is the best way for judges to get to know the girls on a personal basis. Ages 4-11 can wear a church-style dress for interview. Ages 12 and older should wear a suit. The judging will be done in a "round-robin" style. This means that each girl will get 2 minutes to sit and talk personally with a judge and then move to the next judge. There will be three or four professional judges judging the pageant. Ages 3 and younger will not have a personal interview.

 

• ON-STAGE INFO-MERCIAL EXAMPLES (commercial)

Write an info-mercial that tells the judges about your school, community, town, or state. You will recite this info-mercial from memory during the evening wear competition. The info-mercial should not exceed 30 seconds.

 

• MODEL OF THE YEAR

Contestants choose three outfits from any of the following 10 categories.
Western Wear
Pajamas
Formal Wear/Dress Wear
School Wear
Decade Costume
Seasonal Wear
Interview Wear
Favorite Sports Team
Party Wear
Outfit of Choice (this can be anything you want-ethnic outfit, dance wear, casual wear, etc. Swim wear is NOT allowed.)

• (A contestant should not wear the same formal-wear outfit for this portion of the competition that she will be wearing later for the formal wear separate judging. You can only wear 1 outfit in each category.)

 

• FORMAL WEAR

All contestants should wear a formal gown to show their elegance and poise. Ages 11 and younger can wear a long or short (knee length) pageant dress. For young contestants, fancy church dresses (Easter, Sunday, Christmas, and flower-girl style dresses are acceptable. Little girls' formals are also acceptable). Ages 12 and older should wear floor length gowns. No plunging necklines, stomach cut outs, or super high slits, please.

For more information, visit http://www.pureamericangirl.webs.com/.

 

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.

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill that everyone can benefit from. The more you practice, the better you will get. These handy interview cards are a great way to practice with a partner or use by yourself to get you thinking about the topic.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview situation. Then each month you will receive a new card in the mail with fresh questions.

Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

 

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 22 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 have written and recorded their original contemporary Christian music CD entitled Cana. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .