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.

 

The secret to standing out from a field of highly accomplished pageant contestants is having more depth than width in your life. The width is the quantity of the activities in which you participate, and the depth is the quality of your involvement within your accomplishments. The more prestigious the title, job or scholarship you are competing for, the more important your depth of contribution becomes.

For example, let’s say there are three young women who all have a 4.0 GPA. When comparing the transcripts, we find the first young lady has taken the basic courses required by her high school to graduate. The second young woman has taken honors classes all four years of high school. The third contestant took honors courses as an underclassman, but her senior year she took an AP (Advanced Placement) course for college credit. If scholastic achievement is part of the judging criteria, the third pageant contestant is going to get the highest points for her academic accomplishments.

When it comes to academics, the evaluators want to see progressive growth and that the individual is continually challenging herself each year. This is not only relevant in pageants, but also a standard for college scholarship selection as well.

This same principle carries over into your extracurricular activities, community service, pageant appearances, and platform involvement.

Just remember, you hit oil by drilling deep.

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 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, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

At the suggestion of one of her college professors, Ellen Bryan competed in her first pageant when she was a sophomore in college. He thought the Miss America system would be good experience for the telecommunications major. With her eyes set on the goal of becoming a news anchor, this future TV broadcaster began her three year journey to the Miss America stage.

In preparation for the 2008 Miss Lake Festival preliminary, she selected “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors- Promoting Lightning Awareness” as her personal platform. Twelve years ago, Ellen’s sister Christina was struck by lightning while working at a golf course leaving Christina without the ability to speak or move. To this day Christina remains in a wheelchair.

Through her partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the National Weather Service, Ellen has spoken to over 3000 students, 100 businesses and service organizations, and has traveled to Washington D.C., Chicago, Maryland, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio and Indiana to promote lightning safety. Last year, Ellen created the Lightning Safety and Awareness Fund at the Mercer County Civic Foundation. To date, she has raised nearly $5000 for this fund.

In recognition of the depth and significant impact she has had with her platform and community service, Ellen was one of eight Miss America Quality of Life award finalists at the 2012 Miss America pageant. She also received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Medal Award. Ellen’s scholarship earnings from the Miss America Organization total more than $25,000.

With Ellen being 4th Runner Up her first year, 3rd Runner Up her second year , and winning the title her third year competing on the Miss Ohio stage, I asked if she could share how her focus had evolved over the past 3 years.

The first year, she focused on developing her platform. With her confidence level growing, Ellen began working with a personal trainer for her second year of competition. In addition, she bumped up her wardrobe and went even deeper into her platform. The third year was when she really focused on her talent and prepared for “the job” of Miss Ohio. Ellen said that when she stopped worrying about what other people thought and created a detailed action plan of what she would do as Miss Ohio, a deep sense of confidence and belief came over her.

“My journey to Miss Ohio was more like a ‘soul searching’ adventure. When I figured out who I was, what I wanted, and what was important in my life, I knew I was ready for the job; and I feel that came across to the judges.”

When I asked her what the hardest part about preparing for the Miss America pageant was, she told me it was balancing her appearance schedule at Miss Ohio with the preparation for Miss America. After her crowning, she successfully juggled making 3-4 appearances a week, working out with her personal trainer twice a week, and studying with her vocal teacher every other week. Since Miss America, Ellen has had an appearance almost daily and put 23,000 miles on her car as Miss Ohio. That’s a lot of appearances.

 

I asked her to relate a couple of highlights from her year. Without hesitation she cited two of her favorites: the 10 days at Miss America and her Ohio bike tour this summer where she pedaled 850 miles to 45 cities across the state in 27 days. Raising over $2000 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, she rode to every CMNH in Ohio and made appearances along the way. Ellen says every women she met at nationals, the people she meets at her appearances, and the celebrities she has encountered have all been incredible.

She has three more months as Miss Ohio and has no plans of slowing down. Ellen is a wonderful example of “paying it forward” and “walking the talk.” Congratulations Ellen on all you have accomplished thus far and I know we will be seeing you on the television soon.

For the full details on her tour and to learn more about Ellen, visit her websites at http://www.missohiobiketour.com and http://www.ellenbryan.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

Festival Pageants

For your first pageant, start small. Pageantry is no different than sports. A high school coach would never consider putting one of his players in the Super Bowl game for their first time on the field. Same thing goes for pageantry. Before you start investing in all the equipment for this hobby sport, you need to find out if you like the environment.

For beginners, look for pageants that are free or have a small entry fee such as festival pageants. My mom borrowed everything I wore in my first festival pageant from my older cousin. It didn’t cost us a penny.

Smaller festival pageants usually last a few hours because they are just one of the many events included in the community celebration. Up dos and prom style hair is what you will see at festivals along with ball gown. There’s no overnight hotel expense or event tickets you need to purchase. For most festival pageants, you’ll arrive at the festival wearing your gown. When you check in, you’ll receive your contestant number.

If interview is part of the pageant, you will have it shortly after all the contestants have arrived. After interview, they will have the contestants introduce themselves onstage (usually on an outdoor stage so everyone at the festival can watch), do a short little modeling walk and possibly answer one more question in front of the crowd. Then the queen and her court are crowned. End of the event.

The one thing you will want to check out is how many parades the festival queen and her court are required to ride in for the year. In festivals, the entire court makes appearances, not just the queen. Festivals take place on weekends. If your family has many activities on the weekend, a better option would be to find a small pageant that doesn’t require any appearances after the crowning moment.

To find festival pageants, search the internet using the words “festivals in (insert your state)” For example, here in Ohio we have the Ohio Festivals and Events Association. When you go to this website, it has all the information listed for about fifty plus festivals around Ohio. The Department of Tourism for your state would also be a good place to find listing of the festivals. The best way to find out about smaller pageants is to go to a larger pageant and ask the contestants and their families what other pageants they can recommend.

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.

 

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.

 

There are goals and then there are S.M.A.R.T. goals. If you want real results, then make the S.M.A.R.T. decision right now and get started. Today is a new beginning for you. Let go of the excuses, fear, complaints, anger, envy, and frustration of the past.

What is it that you want to accomplish this year? If entering a pageant or two is one of your goals, then you need to start preparing now. If you’re not competing in a pageant this year, then what three things do you want to look back on next December and say with great pride “I did that”? Write them down.
Not later. Right now.

When it comes to pageantry, there are three different phases of goal setting and achievement. It’s important to begin with the end in mind. Focus on what you ultimately want to do with the opportunity when you win the title.

If you don’t have a clear plan as to what you want to do BEFORE you win the crown, you will lose valuable time and all you’ll have from your year is a piece of metal that now requires dusting. Don’t think your director, or anyone else is going to make things happen for you. It is up to you.

The first set of goals revolves around the logistics of preparing for the pageant.
The second set of SMART goals will be what you will do when you win the title.
The third focuses on what you will do when the experience is over.

So if you didn’t win the title this time, what’s next? If you won the crown or are a current title holder, what are you going to do with the rest of this opportunity? Perhaps you just crowned the next queen, and you’re going through an identity crisis or slight depression because you don’t have your next steps planned out.S.M.A.R.T. goals can help you.

Here are what S.M.A.R.T. goals are:

S- Specific. The details of what, how and why are completely covered. The big picture is broken down into bite sized pieces. What is the very first step you need to take?

M-Measurable. How are you going to measure your results? Be concrete, detailed and specific. For example, let’s use the over used New Year’s Resolution about losing weight. Do you REALLY just want to lose scale weight? Or is it more about firming up and going down two pant sizes? Muscle weighs more than fat, but muscle is smaller, solid and compact. What is it you really want the end results to be? If it’s to lose inches and firm up, then taking your measurements is going to be a better way to track your results than stepping onto the scale.

A-Achievable. Is your goal realistic? Do you really believe you can do it? Be honest. You’re not going to do anything if in your heart you truly don’t believe it is possible.

R-Reasonable. Is your goal do-able? How realistic is it for you to accomplish it at this time in your time?

T-Timely. Give yourself a deadline. When I look at my calendar “someday” and “soon” are not one of the days of the week or the months.

Here is the most important element that will determine your results and success.

You need to find someone BESIDES yourself to hold you accountable to your SMART goals. This is the number one reason why people hire coaches and mentors. Great coaches not only help you create your plan; but they hold you accountable through the process so you take the ACTION you say you’re going to do.

I totally believe that the Divine power of God and the coaching process can help you accomplish your great commission on this earth. Your first step is to dare to believe in yourself the way our Heavenly Father believes in you.

Dare To Believe

Everybody knows:
You can’t be all things to all people.
You can’t do all things at once.
You can’t do all things equally well.
You can’t do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else’s.

So:
You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to discover your strengths, and use them.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of “being you.”

Then:
You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions.
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due.
And you’ll be a most vital mortal.

Dare To Believe:
That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it’s more than a right, it’s your duty, to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish.
And you’ll be able to stay one up on what used to get you down.
Author Unknown

 

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:

• 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 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.

2011 Christmas Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). A $89 value when purchased separately

In the spirit of Christmas and 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) until December 31. Individually, these items would cost $89.

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

 

The 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.

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:</ 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) until
December 31st or
while supplies last

This week I chose to feature a new pageant system that will be debuting May 3-5, 2013 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Dublin, Ohio. I interviewed pageant director, Theresa Bucklew about her new system.

Age Divisions based on the age
as of January 1, 2013:

• Princess 3-5 yrs.
• Sweetheart 6-8 yrs.
• Pre-Teen 9-12 yrs.
• Jr. Teen 13-15 yrs.
• Teen 16-18 yrs.
• Miss 19-24 yrs. (Married or unmarried)
• Ms. 25 & Up (Married or unmarried)

Scoring:
http://americanroyalbeauties.com/american-royal-beauties-scoring.html

• Escorted* Formal Eveningwear competition 30%
• Interview with Judges 30%
• Personal Introduction 30%
• Community Service 10%
• Optional competitions will be scored on a range from 1-10
• The contestants will not be re-ranked at the finale unless there is a tie.
• The highest score will win the pageant.

*If you don’t have an escort for the competition please let one of the staff members know during rehearsal and we will provide you with an escort for the competition
*Every contestant will receive a beautiful participation trophy on stage

Tell me about your pageant background and experience?

I have been a heavily involved member of the pageant community for over 22 years now. My daughter competed in her first natural pageant at 18 months. We have been hooked since our very first pageant! Over the years, I have gained experience as a judge, director, and my favorite experience was being a “Pageant Mom” and making my own set of pageant friends!

What made you decide to start your own pageant system?

I love everything pageantry stands for, and truly believe it can change young women and girls’ lives. I am reminded of this every day I see my daughter, and remember what a shy little girl she was growing up. Now, she is outspoken, and a leader in her community. Of course, I would like to take all the credit ? - but I do know a lot of that is a result of what she learned through pageants. I have wanted to start my own system for over five years now. With my youngest son preparing to graduate from high school, I now have the proper time to dedicate to American Royal Beauties. I wanted to make sure my system, its queens, and my contestants got as much time, detail and attention put into them as possible, so everyone involved will leave with a great experience after pageant weekend.

What qualities are you looking for in your queens?

An American Royal Beauties Queen needs be a positive young woman who will excel in academics, be active in their communities through service events, and an excellent future leader of tomorrow. She will carry herself with grace, have positive morals, and overall, be a glamorous girl that others can look to as a role model. Our Queens, throughout their reign will promote our Motto “Pass It On,” which asks our ladies to do a good deed, in turn, inspiring others around them to also do a good deed for another, and continuing to, “Pass it on”. Our Queens will be asked to do at least six parades or community service projects together, and they will be asked to promote American Royal Beauties as much as they can. We do not have “no compete” restriction, so our queens may also compete and hold titles with other pageant systems.

What is your long term vision for your pageant system?

I hope that girls will enjoy my system, and long term, hope to witness my efforts unfold into a national pageant.

What sets your pageant apart from the other pageants out there?

We are looking to build not only individual skills for these girls to use the rest of their lives, but also are looking to create lasting friendships! We hope that by focusing a little more on community involvement, we can get youth interested in giving back to the communities or organizations that mean something to them. We also hope to bring class and glamour back into style. American Royal Beauties want our girls to feel as beautiful on the inside as they all are on the outside.

Is your first pageant just for Ohio residents, or can contestants from other states compete?

Our first pageant will be for Ohio residents only. Contestants who live out of state, but have proof on an Ohio residence may also compete.

What do you want people to know about you or the pageant system?

We are working hard to make sure the American Royal Beauties Pageant will be a fun and exciting experience for all of our girls! We are offering more optional competitions, as well as keeping the entry fee and other costs as low as possible! Pageant weekend will take place at the beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel in Dublin, Ohio, that has suites for everyone discounted. Everyone staying at the hotel will get a full service breakfast every morning, and cocktails and hors d'oeuvres every evening. I am allowing everyone to make payments up until three weeks before pageant weekend. Our official American Royal Beauties’ crowns are very distinct, and our sashes are stylish silver, accented with hot pink trim.

Vendors will be present in the atrium during pageant weekend also. All of the vendors will be affiliated with pageantry. Our first pageant will be held in 2013! Giving our contestants plenty of time to prepare, get involved in the communities, gather potential sponsors to compete, and will also allow us more time to come up with even more exciting events to hold during or around pageant weekend! We hope to see you on our stage May 3-5, 2013!

http://americanroyalbeauties.com

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.

 

Don’t misunderstand me. I love pageantry. But with all of the logistics that go into running a pageant, there is a lot of room for things to go wrong. Being self reliant will eliminate certain stressors and you’ll have a more positive pageant experience. Less stress means you will feel more relaxed and confident in your abilities. The more relaxed and confident you are, the greater your chances are of sharing who you are and winning the hearts of the judges.

At first glance what I am about to say may seem negative, but it’s not. This thought process has saved my sanity and skin countless times. Here it is: Look at the pageant schedule, and think of every possible thing that could go wrong and create a plan for what you would do if that were to happen. Get detailed. Let your imagination run wild. Think of the worst things that could happen to you and plan out what you would do in that situation. By doing this, not only will you be more prepared; but you will eliminate the fear factor because you’ve worked it out ahead of time.

It would look something like this. What if I get there, and rehearsal runs late and there isn’t enough time for my makeup person to do my makeup? Or, what if the pageant provided stylist does my hair and makeup and I hate it? Solution: Learn how to do your own makeup. This might mean taking private classes and practicing weeks before the pageant so you can master putting on your own makeup.

What if I get there and they have lost my paperwork? Solution: You always bring copies of everything with you to the pageant. Mark my words, the one time you think it is not necessary is going to be THE time you wish you would have brought it.

• Hair and Makeup- Stylists are wonderful; but you need to learn how to do your own hair and makeup. Sometimes the schedule does not allow enough time for you to get your hair and makeup professional done before the show. Plus, some stylists over book themselves, get sick, or no show you. Even if the pageant says they will provide people to do this, never totally depend on them. Taking classes from a professional makeup and hair artist to show you how to do your own hair and makeup will be one of the best investments you can make.

 

• Wardrobe- In half of the pageants systems parents, coaches and stylists are not allowed into the dressing rooms. You need to practice getting into your clothes by yourself. Keep this in mind when shopping for gowns. There is never enough hanging space for your clothing so bring your own hanging rack. I ordered the Dritz Ironing and Drying Rack (# 10688323) from Joann.com for $30 (but I used a 40% coupon) and LOVE it! It’s lightweight, folds into two pieces and fits in the bottom of my big suitcase. It extends up to 64 ½ “and says holds up to 33 garments. But 9 adult sized pageant garments is all I put on it. Bling is heavy.
  

 

• Food- Pack your own supply of water and food. Pageant supplied food is not healthy or satisfying. You need to be able to eat on the run because rehearsals run late, restaurants get crowded, and you need to invest more time in getting your outer appearance ready for competition than hunting for food in an unfamiliar environment.
  

 

• Accommodations – Even if the pageant is local, I stay in the event hotel. You need a safe place to rest, recompose and get ready for events in private. People, it is not professional to change your clothes and do your hair and makeup in the public restrooms of the hotel. The extra $100 for a room is worth its weight in gold so build it into your budget. I’m speaking from three decades of experience as a contestant, pageant mom, and judge. Get a room.

 

• Paperwork, CDs, DVD, Photos, etc.- Bring extra hard copies of everything. That includes your music CD if you’re doing talent (I always have three separate discs), all paperwork you mailed in ahead of time, headshots, judges bio, and copies of your cancelled checks, credit card statements or receipts from the pageant showing what you have paid for.
  

 

Arrive early, observe everything that is being said and happening around you, and have your backup plans in place. Follow the Girl Scout Motto “Be Prepared” and the Swedish Proverb “The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.”

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.

 

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. 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 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 .

 

You’ve just had your crowning moment. Suddenly, you dream of being a celebrity, going to glamorous events, and making countless appearances. Great! How are you going to make that happen? Yes, I said YOU. Your primary responsibility is to get the word out about your accomplishments and set up appearances. The director may have a couple of sponsor related events for you to attend; but for the rest of the year, what happens as a titleholder is all up to you and your marketing efforts.

To market yourself, you’ll want to create a press kit. For your press kit, you’ll want to assemble a press release, a headshot, one-page bio, an introductory letter from the director on official pageant letterhead, and any other supporting materials in a clean new folder.

 

Have your press kit available in both electronic and hard copy forms. You will mostly use the electronic format but always have at least one hard copy folder with you as a contingency. Success comes when preparation meets opportunity. Always be prepared.This way you can book an appearance from an appearance. If you’re networking the event right, there will always be someone who will approach you about appearing at their upcoming event.

Press Release

A press release is a one page document that is sent out to local news papers which includes the following information:

• Facts about you: Name, age, parents (if you are a minor), city, your new title, and brief information about your platform or service cause you will be support during your year.
• What did you do to earn the title, and what you won as a result of competing.
• Information about the pageant system and the next level of competition in which you will be compete. For example, if you will be competing at the national pageant, include the dates, locations and what’s involved at that event.
• Pageant history, mission statement, goals, and contact information for both you and your director so that you can be reached to schedule appearances. Word of caution about your personal contact information, for your personal privacy and safety, set up a separate email address to be used only during your year of reign. You never want to give out your home address, phone number, or personal information for mass distribution.

 

Headshot

• Make sure your headshot, and any other photos are high-resolution images so if the organization chooses to reproduce them, the photos will be crystal clear. I burn a couple images onto a CD and include one 4x6 photo in my folder so they have choices.

Bio

• One page bio spotlighting your education, honors, accomplishments, community service, talent, hobbies, and career ambitions.

 

Introductory Letter on Official Letterhead

• The letter from your director will lend credibility and acknowledgment to your title. It should include your name, title and information about the pageant system.

 

Other Supporting Materials

• If you produce a newsletter with your platform, or if there is a brochure about the pageant system you are representing, include those as well.

 

Then you need to figure out what type of appearances you want to focus on. Do you want to do parades? Do you want to model in fashion shows? How about speaking to service organizations or in schools? Maybe you want to travel to other pageants and be visiting royalty. You’ll quickly need to decide. It could take several weeks, or months, of planning for you to be able to participate in certain events.
How many appearances do you want to make a month? How far do you want to travel? How many appearances will be “just for fun” and how many will be networking events where you can build relationships with people who will guide you to successful paths you may walk after you crown the next queen?

Get your calendar and mark out the dates you already have commitments. Then start surfing the web and contacting people for the activities that fit your plan. You have been given an opportunity that has a expiration date; but the connections and friendships you make during your year, will not.

 

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.

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 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. For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .

 

Courtesy of: Appelbaum Wellness LLC.

"Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices."-Betsy Jacobson

It's a new school year. With it comes a long list of possible activities that you and your family can get involved in. Are the activities you’re participating in helping you to reach your goals, or are they creating more stress in your life? How balanced is your lifestyle? When you look at your calendar, is it filled with one type of activity (such as sports) or is there a healthy balance between personal time, family activities, community involvement, church activities and school events? If it’s unbalanced, now is the time to make changes.

What does this have to do with pageantry? Everything.

• Participating in pageants is both time consuming and expensive. If you don’t have a clear plan as to which pageant you are going to compete in, how you’re financially going to make that happen, and how to keep competition in its proper perspective, you will experience more stress than fulfillment from the situation. Take some time to set healthy boundaries for this year so you don't over commit yourself. Before committing to a new opportunity, ask yourself, "will this create more joy in my life; or more stress?"

• A well-rounded contestant is more effective in the interview room and as a titleholder. If you predominately have only one thing in your life (academics, sports, your career, competitive cheer, or pageants), you’re not going to relate to a large cross section of people. If your judge knows nothing about cheerleading, all of your awards in that area will mean nothing to them. There is strength in diversity.

When working on your bio, never and I mean never, do you want to lie, stretch the truth, or put anything that is misleading on your resume. Don’t even put future events on there because the future can change in a heartbeat. You only put on paper what you have done. Now if there is a question about “what are your future plans”, well, yes there you can talk about the future.

When I’m working with a client, if I see their life is a bit lop sided, and you know your life is lop sided if you don’t have anything to put under a particular heading on your resume, together we will explore how she might be able to balance her life better by adding different activities to it.

By adding more community service or exploring a new hobby, you will add another dimension to your personality and you may discover a hidden talent or passion of yours. Now, you’re missing the point entirely if the only reason you volunteer at your local soup kitchen is to be able to put it on your resume, or get recognized so you have an award to put down on your bio. That is not what I mean. Serve because you want to give and make a difference. Give without expecting praise or anything in return. Any other intension is a bribe not a gift.

The reason you want balance in your life is to become a better person and to fully develop into the person God wanted you to be. It is in TRUE giving (expecting nothing in return) that we receive. I want to end today with this wonderful article I found that dovetails nicely with today’s topic.

 

Five Balls Of Life

This was written by the CEO of Coca-Cola Brian G. Dyson.

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air.
You name them - Work - Family - Health - Friends - Spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls -- family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. How?

1. Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.

2. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.

3. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

4. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

5. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

6. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us together.

7. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

8. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings

.
9. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.

10. Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

11. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.

12. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

 

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.

 

 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. 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.

 

WTP Pageant Bootcamp In
Columbus, Ohio

This two-hour bootcamp is for you if you're preparing for a pageant and you 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, 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.

Saturday, September 10, 2011
Location:
Hilton Garden Inn | 3928 Jackpot Road |Grove City, OH 43123 |
614-539-8944

Directions to Hotel: Take Exit 100 off Interstate 71South of downtown Columbus. Turn left onto Stringtown if you're coming from the north, right if coming from the south. Turn left onto Thistlewood (it’s the first big intersection with a stop light). Turn left onto Killdeer at the stop sign - (there's a Home Depot on your right- Putt Putt on your left). Turn right onto Jackpot road. The Hilton Garden is on the right behind the LaQuinta Hotel.

Session 2
Sat, September 10

1:00pm - 3:00pm

$139

Take this opportunity to Register NOW!

• You can participate in one session, or all of them. It’s up to you. The more you practice these skills, the more natural they’ll become. In each session you’ll be actually practicing your interview, modeling, personal introduction, onstage question and mental attitude skills.

• I’ll be giving you immediate feedback the entire time so it doesn’t matter if this is your first pageant or you’re a seasoned professional wanting some extra polish. I’ll meet you exactly where you are and take you to the next level.

• For bootcamp contestants, I’m offering an optional 45 minute private coaching session the same day of the bootcamp. This individual time is to help tailor the material to fit your specific needs. These are scheduled on a “first come” basis so schedule now to get your choice of time. Time slots will be before and after the bootcamp.

All fees are nonrefundable and must be paid in full prior to the bootcamp or coaching session. If you prefer to pay with a check, please contact me throughinfo@winningthroughpageantry.com. Checks must be received at least one week prior to the date of your session. Your date is officially confirmed once payment has been received.

Once payment has been received, you will be contacted to schedule your private 45-minute coaching session.

There are only eight private sessions available each day.

Private sessions will begin at

10:00am through 12:45pm

and

3:15pm through 7:15pm

click here to register

 

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 .

 

Yes, pageants are very exciting and fun; however, there are important logistics and details that need to be taken care of so you can fully enjoy the experience. Realistically, you can be the best planner and you will still encounter unforeseen things that are beyond your control. If you accept this fact upfront, you will save yourself a lot of stress,anxiety and remain cool when things get hot.

Here are the big 5 stressors I have found over the years and how you can prepare for them.

1. 
   

   Waiting until the last minute to do things is not the best plan of attack.

   Start writing out your packing list at least two weeks before and start the actual packing 7 days before you leave for your pageant. If you wait until the last minute to shop for a nude pair of closed-toe shoes or shop for earrings to go with your gown, you’re just setting yourself up for major stress. Have all of your purchases made and in your possession 30 days before you leave. Schedule your coaching, tanning, hair, nail and waxing appointments far in advance because your stylists get sick and take vacations too. Learning to manage your time is a key element in relieving your anxiety and stress.
   

2. Poorly fitted opening number outfits, bathing suits, and shoes.

   I’ve learned from my own personal experience, to plan for the worst when the pageant is “providing” part of your wardrobe. Out of necessity, I’ve taught myself how to sew and this skill has saved me and my daughters tons of stress and money over the years. Your outfit will be the wrong size, zippers will break, seams will pop, garments will be too low in the front or too short in length, fabrics will be too sheer and shoes will create blisters. Plan accordingly. Always bring a variety of nude colored bras (convertible straps, strapless, adhesive breast petals, and silicone pads), camis, dance trunks, and spanx. A pair of spanx can take you down a size if your outfit is too small and cover your bottom if the dress is too short.
3. 
   Needle, thread, safety pins, double-stick hem tape, clear band-aids, a variety of Dr. Scholl’s shoe pads, non slide pads for the bottom of your shoes, clear blister pads, clear packing tape, body glue, Hollywood tape and scissors should be in every pageant contestant’s emergency kit. Learn how to stitch things together.
4. 
   

   Know how to do your own hair and makeup.

   Hair and makeup people can run behind or ‘no show’ at a pageant. If you are solely dependent upon them, you’re in big trouble. All girls and women must learn how to do their own hair and makeup someday, so start practicing now while you’re at home. I mean let’s face it, very few people have the luxury of a personal stylist to tend to them. At most pageants, the stylists are not allowed backstage once the pageant begins. You will be responsible for yourself. Plus, you know your face and hair best. Sometimes the stylists do a great job, other times they miss the mark.

Your best plan is to learn how to do it yourself, and if you are using stylists at the pageant, have them do your hair and makeup for the optional competitions and parties. That will be their practice on you and you can give them feedback as to what to change when the judging counts.

1. 
   

   Print out and bring copies of all your pageant paperwork and receipts of payment.

   Print out your hotel confirmation number, bank statement showing cleared checks, credit card statement showing that the expenses posted to your account, and all the paperwork you sent to the pageant. Also, all the phone numbers, passwords, and email addresses to the directors, hotel, pageant friends, coaches and people at home that you would possibly need to contact for any reason. Cell phones don’t get reception, paperwork gets lost, and computer errors can create more stress than you can imagine. Be prepared and have all of your records with you in a three-ring binder as a backup plan, and don’t lose the binder. Also, have a couple hundred dollars in cash, a couple different credit cards and your checkbook with you. Again, stuff can happen and you don’t want to be left in an awkward financial pinch.
2. 
   

   Avoid getting overly tired, hungry or thirsty.

   If you or your daughter get overly tired, hungry, or thirsty, emotional mood swings are more likely to happen. Avoid this by bringing your own supply of snacks and drinks. If you are driving to the pageant, stock your car with cases of bottled water, food, and a small microwave oven or crock pot if you have one. The more self-sufficient you are at the pageant, the better experience you will have. If you are flying to the pageant, pack one big suitcase of just food. It will still be cheaper paying the baggage fee than the money you will spend for room service or having no food at all when you get to your room. Make friends with someone at the pageant who has a car and offer to pay them to drive you to the nearest Wal-Mart. If that doesn’t pan out, take a taxi or the hotel limo service. Remember, rehearsals run late, the lines in the host hotel restaurants get long, and the meals provided sometimes are not a healthy, energy generating source.
   
3. The pageant schedule is very tight and exhausting. You must rest during the down time. If you’ve stocked your room with food, go to the room and eat by yourself during the lunch breaks to rejuvenate. Set your boundaries for bedtime and stick to them. Just because someone knocks at the door or calls you on your cell phone, doesn’t mean you have to answer it. You need time away from the group to rest and keep things in perspective.
5. There will always be some logical problem at a pageant-always, so just plan on it. That way, you’re not caught off-guard when it happens and you can stop yourself before you start down the negative attitude spiral.
6. 
   Being aware of the conversation taking place within your head and controlling the words you speak are THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS you can do to avoid the negative drama at an event. If overwhelmed with negative emotion, take a deep breath, think about what’s really important, and focus on what is enjoyable about the experience. If you need to physically remove yourself from the environment for a moment, then do so.

 

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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 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 .