As most of you know, my abilities in the kitchen are quite limited so I decided to take my daughters out to eat. Five minutes after we had been seated, a large man and his four children were seated at the table beside us. Within minutes, the father started chastising his son about the “C” he had received in band on his report card. In a very loud and aggressive voice, the man was going on and on about how this would affect his son’s overall GPA, eligibility to play sports, keep him out to the Jr. National Honors Society, etc.

He continued to talk about competition and how you’re either a winner or loser in this world; and being a loser is unacceptable. The father was being verbally disrespectful to his son, the teachers, and the other students his son was involved with at school; not to mention those of us in the restaurant who had to listen to his “stinkin thinkin.”

If this wasn’t already uncomfortable and awkward, when the father told his son to physically hit anyone who gets in his way or was distracting and annoying him, my blood started to boil. At this point the server approached him and the father shifted gears; but I was still upset inside.

I felt I needed to say something; but what could I say to an angry 300 pound bully? I was at a total loss. What struck me odd was that his children didn’t seem shaken by his actions. I grieved at the thought of what type of adults those four children would grow up to be being subjected to that type of behavior.

So I did the only thing within my power. I turned it into a teaching moment for my three daughters about little boys in men’s bodies, attitude, and how to view competition in life.

Competition can be viewed as either constructive or destruction. It’s entirely up to you as to which attitude you choose to adopt. Your attitude is formed through your association with coaches, family, friends, and the people with whom you compete. Notice I did not say “people you compete against.”

When you compete with people, the environment is positive, healthy, constructive and encourages cooperation. Friendly relationships are created and there is mutual respect. Care, empathy, and consideration are present. You are self-reflective and focused on learning and improving yourself. You are in competition only with yourself and are striving for individual excellence. Your success is not defined by the end result (who is crowned).

When you compete against others, you immediately start focusing on the other contestants. Your energy shifts to a negative, unhealthy, or destructive space. Taking out the competition either through mental games or verbal confrontations is typical. Fear, hostility, anger, jealousy, envy, and unethical behaviors are present in environments where the only focus is on winning the overall title. The lasting effects from a negative attitude of competition are a lack of respect for people and poor character development. The father we encountered in the restaurant is a perfect example of negative competition. Unfortunately, I see it all too often on sports fields, cheer and dance competitions, and in pageantry.

Competition, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad. It is a vehicle for potential growth and success. Everyone needs to learn how to handle success and failure. The younger, the better. As a matter of fact, we learn more from our “failures” than we do from when things are always going our way and we are “winning.”

It all starts with you. Every word that comes from your mouth; and every action you do or fail to do sets an example for everyone around you. Consciously make a decision to focus on constructive thoughts, words and action.

As a very goal oriented, competitive and driven person, I frequently “check in” with my attitude. I wish I could say it was perfect, but it is not. One great thing about aging is that it is easier for me to keep the big picture in mind and to focus on constructive ways of getting better. My key is I never stop growing and learning. I use competition to bring out the best in me; and I have a very good time doing it.

“Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition - in having put forth the best within you”
Henry J. Kaiser

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here 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 an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
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 23 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the board of two non-profit organizations. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

Where are the reality TV crews when you need them, right? If the media really wanted the public to know why women participate in pageants and the true benefits of pageantry, they should follow me, or thousands of other pageant queens, around for a day when we are living our lives as titleholders.

You see, a pageant crown and sash isn't merely a label to be worn, but it's a daily lifestyle we live. Two of my favorite quotes from St. Francis of Assisi sum up my thoughts nicely. "The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" and "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words."

Saturday embodied and exemplified what the pageant queens I associate with do. We shared our time, talents, and treasures with a community and the American Cancer Society.

For 10 hours, eight queens walked the track, raised over $2,800 for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, and performed their talent numbers to honor the cancer survivors at a special luncheon. The fun and fellowship shared by our team was an added bonus as to why we choose to be pageant queens.

Pageant contestants are talented, well rounded individuals who have diverse skills. We choose to use these skills to make a difference in our communities, countries and world. The glamorous onstage competition is only one day in our lifetime of service.

I don't expect anytime soon for the major networks or news outlets to spend time capturing the real story behind the pageant world. But who needs them when we are impacting the lives of thousands daily at the grassroots level.

Today, I honor each titleholder who is living a life of service; and encourage you to keep on doing it, even if others won't take the time to understand what pageantry is all about.

Enjoy the following photos from the event.

Singing the National Anthem.

Making a difference one step at a time.

Celebrating as a team after I announced the Queens Team together raised over $2,800.

Miss Sydney Copeland was crowned our Queens Team "Miss TVWMS Relay For Life" for individually raising over $360.

Over $12,000 was raised at this mini Relay for the American Cancer Society.

Water balloon toss between the seven teams. Oh yes, it was a hot day!

A little "Thriller" flash mob on the football field along with other line dances.

For the "Piggy Back" lap, our team decided to carry our lightest member around the track.

Three-legged race lap. The Queens Team rocked!

What an awesome 2012 Queens Team! Angela Escobar, Anna Shappert, Gracie Fusco, Maria Shappert, Julia Shappert, Megan Hunt, Rhonda Shappert, & Sydney Copeland. Other members and monetary contributors not pictured in the photo are Stephen Shappert, Joyce Escobar, Gina Fusco, Stacey Johnson, and Michaela Smith. Start saving those coins now and join us next year. Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

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

Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). An $89 value when purchased separately.

Only 1 left!

Receive my 60 minute training DVD Take The Stage, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H). Individually, these items cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• American Royal Beauties,
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.

Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.

As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:</ p>

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H)

Only 1 left

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

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 23 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the board of two non-profit organizations. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

As tempting as it may be to copy someone, an original is always more valuable than a copy.

It’s important for you to watch what the top five contestants are doing at a pageant to see what styles and trends the system is following; but don’t be a copycat.

To truly stand out, you want to let the “real” you come through in everything you do. How you style your hair, what you wear, how you walk, and how you talk all make a statement about your originality.

Often, I will find there is one contestant going to the extreme in some area of her outer presentation to stand out. Perhaps it’s a risky gown choice, or an unconventional style of wearing her hair or makeup. If it is within her personality, that’s fine. But all too often, it’s very clear that she is just trying to separate herself from the others and she falls short.

Here is a copy of the priceless painting of the Mona Lisa. When you look at this copy, you may be thinking, “What is the big deal with this painting? I don’t even think she’s that pretty.” But I’ve seen the original at the Louvre museum in Paris. When you look at this painting in person, the eyes appear to follow you wherever you walk in the room. It’s very intriguing and magnetic. It’s funny because trying to hide from her gaze people will bump into each other moving around while they are staring at the painting.

You are the same. There are qualities about you that no one can copy or duplicate. Acknowledge and accept them as your gifts. Once you appreciate your value, you’ll immediately understand why you’re priceless in this world. That is how you will begin to stand out from the other contestants.

Paperwork Review Session

If you want a different set of eyes to look over your paperwork, I’ve created a Paperwork Review Session. Consider this a “second opinion” session. It is not a detailed development session. It consists of two private mini-coaching sessions over the phone. This is perfect for the experienced contestant who wants a professional eye to look things over.

On the first call, I will share with you my first impressions about your paperwork; conduct a 5-minute mock interview based on the paperwork you have provided to me; tips on how to improve your paperwork; and a second mini-call after you have made corrections from our first call.

This will be a great investment to strengthening your first impression and to building a solid foundation for your interview. To get the most from our time together, have the exact forms your pageant system uses filled out to the best you can. Then,click here to purchase your session. Once payment has been received, you will receive an email to schedule your private telephone session with me.

 

WTP Pageant Bootcamp In
Columbus, Ohio

This two-hour bootcamp is for you if you're preparing for a pageant andyou want to take your skills to the next level. I will provide face-to-face training to strengthen your abilities in the following areas:

• Interview
• Modeling Technique
• Personal Introduction
• Answering Onstage Questions
• Mental Attitude

By working in a small group of 10 people, you’ll benefit by listening and watching each other; expanding your knowledge of pageantry; mastering your own skills; and receiving personal feedback at an affordable price. Space is limited so reserve your time now.

There must be a minimum number of five people for the workshop to take place and
all fees must be paid in full one week prior to the workshop. No exceptions. I will not be accepting payment the day of the event.

COMING TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU

• Sunday, March 4, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is February 24, 2012)

• Sunday, March 25, 1012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is March 16, 2012)

• Saturday, Apri 28, 2012 : 1-3PM (Last day to sign up is April 20, 2012)

• Sunday, May 20, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is May 11, 2012)

• Saturday, June 16, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is June 8, 2012)

• Saturday, July 21, 2012: 1-3 PM (Last Day to Sign Up is July 13, 2012)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Pageant Preparation Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). Only 45 left at this price!

To celebrate the launch of my new 60 minute training DVD, Take The Stage, I am offering the 60 minute training DVD, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H). Individually, these items would cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

Rhonda Shappert, is both an iPEC and ICF certified expert pageant coach. In addition to holding multiple titles herself, her clients have won titles at local, state, national and internationals pageants. Her award winning newsletter is received weekly by thousands internationally. She has helped her clients win local, state, national and international titles.

With over 30 years experience in the pageant industry as a contestant, titleholder, judge, emcee, staff member, coach and mother of daughters who compete, there isn't an area of pageantry she doesn't fully understand.

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.
Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.
As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H)
45 left

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
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.

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 .

 

 

For the person whose only exposure to beauty pageants is from what they see on television, it’s difficult to understand why anyone would choose to do a beauty pageant. After all, showcasing the benefits of doing a beauty pageant wouldn’t get the ratings that the drama does. But there are definite benefits or else pageantry wouldn’t be a multi-billion dollar industry.

Of the many benefits to participating in a pageant, I’m going to share my top five reasons.

 

1. Recognition.

People feel valued and appreciated when they receive recognition for their hard work. Some pageant systems offer cash prizes along with on-stage recognition for optional areas of participation such as talent, speech, commercials, modeling, community service, scholastic, letters of recommendation, career achievement and creative arts through scrapbooking, ad pages and decorating contests .

 

1. 2. Personal Development.

   The more a person recognizes and understands their strengths, values, likes, dislikes, beliefs, and personality style, the greater fulfillment and satisfaction they’ll experience from their life. The greatest self discovery and personal growth can come from working with an expert pageant coach who understands in depth how to use pageantry as a tool to develop the excellence within you.

2. 3. Communication Skills.

   The ability of articulate ones thoughts into written and spoken words is priceless. We live in an age where masses consider quality communicate as texting or posting an update on Face book. The skill of having a meaningful face to face conversation with another human being is being greatly diminished by technology. As an expert pageant coach and judge, I regularly encounter contestants with poor writing and verbal communication skills. This is very apparent in the paperwork that is submitted. By developing your communication skills, the relationships in your life will also develop in a life giving way.

3. 4. Confidence.

   The ability to face ones fears and take action anyway develops great confidence. It’s common knowledge that speaking in front of a crowd is the number one fear of people. Well, in pageantry there’s plenty of opportunity to get in front of large groups of people on a regular basis and develop a comfort level with being on stage. Through the interviewing process and introducing yourself to many people, your speaking skills will blossom in this arena.

4.  

5. 5. Handling Stress, Pressure and Disappointment.

   These reactions are a part of life. Your attitude and thoughts around these reactions can either move you forward towards fulfillment or break you down. Stress, pressure and disappointment don’t have to be viewed as negative things. In fact, they can be powerful motivators to accelerate you to the next level. It all depends on how you look at them. In pageantry, you will experience these to the fullest extent, and with guidance, you can learn how to flip them to work to your advantage.

Recognition, personal development, communication skills, confidence and handling the stress, pressure and disappointments in life are the benefits you’ll take with you from doing pageants. And if you really enjoy modeling, hair, makeup and fashion, oh the fun you will have learning these life lessons.

 

Have every weekly article I write delivered directly to your email. Sign up for my free weekly newsletter. 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.

Take a moment to list the benefits you receive from each of the activities you participate in. If you struggle to come up with benefits, decide if that is an activity you want to be spending your time doing.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach and an iPEC trained personal development life coach. She created Winning Through Pageantry™, to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation and achieve winning results in life through pageantry. In the pageant world she has held multiple local, state and national titles. 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.