Rhonda Shappert - The Pageant Expert & Personal Development Coach™

Mastering the 30 second onstage personal introduction

by RhondaShappert August 21, 2012 08:55

 

In natural pageants such as Pure American Girl (PAG), Miss American Coed (MAC), National American Miss (NAM), and other pageants similar in format, there is a required 20 or 30 second onstage personal introduction that you need to deliver to the judges.

The purpose of the introduction is to give the judges an instant snapshot into your personality.

For years I’ve been helping young girls write their introductions but it wasn’t until I had to write and memorize my own that I gained even more valuable insights. Honestly, memorizing the silly thing was creating stress I hadn’t felt in a long time. Ridiculous, right? Maybe. But I learned much by going through the process myself.

First, what looks good on paper doesn’t always come across well when spoken. You need to say your introduction out loud. Then say it to a couple different people. Ask them what they hear. Certain word combinations may not convey what you mean. Make necessary changes and say it out loud again.

Secondly, you have to believe in what you are saying. If it’s just a bunch of memorized words, it won’t stand out and will sound fake. People have to believe what you are saying.

Finally, focus on the meaning not the words. Your chances of getting tongue-tied are greater if you focus on each individual word instead of the whole meaning.

I probably had 10 different versions of my introduction before I decided on the final one. It developed over a couple weeks during the long hours of driving on the road.
So here are my final words of wisdom. Give yourself plenty of time to create it and say it out loud as often as you can. If it doesn’t feel right, change it. It must be 100% you. No one else.

On my training DVD, my daughter and I demonstrate how to deliver an on stage introduction along with numerous other modeling and training tips .

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.

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:

• Pure American Girl (PAG),
• 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.

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.

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.

$27 (+$7 S&H)

Rhonda

 

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 positive 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 is the reigning 2012 National Ms. Elegance Pure American Girl queen.

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 daughters educates their children within the home and has been married 23 years to her husband Stephen. They are part of the music ministry at their church and have produced an original contemporary Christian music CD. She is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for two nonprofit organizations.  For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

Tags: ,

Pageant Systems | Pageant Preparation | Pageant Platform | Pageant Interview


15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly

by RhondaShappert March 7, 2012 06:01

Your paperwork makes your first impression to the judges and will set the tone for your interview. I see these 15 grammar mistakes all the time on pageant contestants’ resumes and bio sheets. Are you making any of these mistakes?

Thank you www.copyblogger.com/grammar-goofs/  for this wonderful visual.

infographic of 15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly

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.

 

 

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. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.

The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

 

 

 

Rhonda

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Life 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 two governing boards of non-profit organizations.  She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visitwww.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

Tags: ,

Pageant Interview | Pageant Preparation


15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly

by RhondaShappert March 7, 2012 05:43

<a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/grammar-goofs/"><img src="http://netdna.copyblogger.com/images/grammar-goofs.png" alt="15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly" title="15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly - Infographic" width="600" height="4661" /></a><br /><small>Like this infographic? Get more <a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/copywriting-101/">copywriting</a> tips from <a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/">Copyblogger</a>.</small>

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Pageant Interview


Commonly Mispronounced Words During Interview

by RhondaShappert January 10, 2012 23:34

 

What did she just say? Words that are mispronounced and poor grammar can influence people’s opinion of you and your education level. For example, just because the word “ain’t” is in the dictionary doesn’t mean you should use it. The dictionary will tell you if the word is spelled correctly. That doesn’t necessarily mean the usage of the word itself is “proper” or viewed in a positive light if you say it. Over the years, many slang words have been added to our dictionaries.


I am not an English major, but here is my shortlist of mispronounced words that drive me crazy:

  • The words are “wasn’t, business, isn’t, and didn’t” not “wadn't, bidness, idn’t, and din’t.”

  • "I have a ways to go" should be "I have a way to go."

  • The “t” in the word “often” is silent. You will find both pronunciations in the dictionary but in the United States; the silent “t” version is preferred. It’s “off-en” not “off- ten”.

  • The word is regardless, not irregardless.

  • This is important for all pageant girls to know. The word is “jewelry” (jewel- ree) not “jew-ler-ee”. No extra syllable.

  • It is “with” not “wit”.

  • It is “that” not “dat”.

  • Ask” me something but don’t “ax” me. Pronounce that “s”

  • Say all the consonants in the word “important”. I’m going to have a hard time taking you seriously if you say the word “im-poor-unt”.

  • Do say “across”, don’t say “acrossed”.

  • The place where we borrow books is the “library” not the “ly-berry.”

 

  • ESCAPE / ESPRESSO / ET CETERA

           • Incorrect pronunciation: ex – cape / ex – presso / ex – set – err – uh 
           • Correct pronunciation: ess – cape / ess – presso / ett – set – err – uh

 

  • FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES
    • Incorrect pronunciation: “for all intensive purposes”
    • Correct pronunciation: “for all intents and purposes”

 

  • SHERBET
    • Incorrect pronunciation: sherr – berrt
    • Correct pronunciation: sherr – bet

 

Here is a list of other commonly mispronounced words.
http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/mispronounced_words.html

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.

$27 (+ $7 S&H)

The WTP Interview Card (Set of 12)

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.

$25.00

Rhonda

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 has been married 23 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.

Tags: ,

Pageant Interview | Pageant Preparation | Pageant Platform


Using This Four Letter Word Will Help You Win

by RhondaShappert May 11, 2011 17:55

 

? # @ !

 

Yes, you read that right. Kids and teens, you can use this four letter word without getting into trouble and get your parents to stop nagging you. You win!


Parents, you can use this word to get an answer other than “I don’t know” from your kids when you ask them a question. You win!


And wives, you can say this four letter word to your husband without making him become defensive and retreat into the man cave for the rest of the night. You win!

 
What is the four letter word? Hmmmm. Let me tell you what it isn’t first. “Why”. The word “why” can immediately throw up the defensive wall in some people. Think about your own reaction when someone asks you why.

  • Why did you do that?
  • Why do you do it that way?
  • Why did you say that?
  • Why are you so afraid of …?

 

Inevitably, when you start a question with the word “why” you’re going to get the answer “I don’t know” even though the person really does know why. “Why” is a three letter word, but it has the potential of eliciting a four letter response.


For example, in pageant land, it could be something as simple as dress shopping. What starts out to be an enjoyable shopping experience can quickly turn when the daughter turns to the mother and says “why do you always pick that style of dress for me?” Feeling her button pushed, the mother quickly fires back, “Because I like it and I think it’s appropriate on you.” A big eye roll from the daughter, and yet another button gets pushed in mom and on it goes.

So to turn any conversation into a winning experience, where both parties are understood and a deeper level of communication takes place, substitute the word “what” when you feel the urge to start with “why”.

Using our dress scenario as an example, the daughter could have said, “what is it about this dress that you like so much?” The mother could have said something like “I think the way the neckline brings attention to your shoulders. They’re one of your strongest physical attributes.” “Wow!” the daughter thinks. “I’ve never really noticed that about myself; but now that mom points that out, I think she’s right.”

The word “what” helps your mind immediately start to think of specific reasons, where the word “why” puts you are guard and it feels like a personal attack.
Here are some phrases to try out this week using the winning four letter word. Give them a shot and see what a difference it makes in your communication with people.

  • What did you mean when you said …?
  • What can I do to help you?
  • What do you want from this experience?
  • What can we do to make our time together more enjoyable?

 

Make sure your tone in using the word “what” is coming from a place of curiosity. You won’t have a positive exchange if you’re using the word “what” but thinking another four letter word in your head.


This week, be curious and substitute the word “what” for “why” and see what results you get.

To receive every weekly article I write directly to your inbox and request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, 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.

Pageant Season Is Here!

Now's The Time to Brush Up On Your Interview Skills

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

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 .

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Pageant Emotions | Pageant Mindset


 

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About Rhonda

Rhonda Shappert is a pageant expert, personal development life coach, and owner of Winning Through Pageantry™, a business she created that not only helps her clients achieve winning results in pageants, but helps them Succeed From The Inside Out™ in their lives. 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 who has been married 20 years to her husband Stephen, home educates their children, is the former mayor of her community, and is 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.Winning Through Pageantry.com.