We are coming to the end of the summer pageant season, and one of the most frequently asked questions I am receiving in my email is should I compete again?

The answer will depend on the quality of the pageant experience you had, if you won the title you were seeking, your goals, and how much time laps between pageants. Here are some questions I ask to help decide whether or not to compete again.

• Are you physically, financially and emotionally ready to compete? Pageants are expensive and high maintenance. There is nothing wrong with choosing to do only one or two pageants a year. I actually advocate this for a number of reasons, which I will cover later.

 

• What are the benefits of competing? What are you hoping to gain from the experience? List what you want from the pageant experience or from "the big win."

 

• Do you have the available time to make appearances and to compete at the next level should you win the title? Directors expect titleholders to promote their pageant system by making numerous appearances and representing their state at the next level of competition. If you can't do this, this can create a problem. In my opinion, a good titleholder makes about one appearance a month. Great titleholders do more, average do less. Be very realistic and honest about your time. If you already hold a title, do you have enough time and resources in your schedule to properly promote each system? Can you make separate appearances at completely different events for each title? For example if you hold two titles, can you make two quality appearances a month? If not, don't compete. Let another contestant have the honor and experience of being a titleholder. If you can manage the obligations of the different systems, go ahead because many opportunities present themselves to active titleholders.

 

• Is this the right time and the right system for you? Time between pageants can be your best friend. It gives you time to develop other areas of your life and to become a well-round, balanced person. Life is very cyclical. Certain times are better than others to compete and hold a title. Plus, it may take you a while to find a system that is the right fit for you. But with as many choices available, there is a pageant for you!

 

If you enjoy competing in pageants, then continue to compete. When they stop being enjoyable, take a break. Then when you get bitten by the bug again, and you will, you'll be refreshed and have a new found energy.

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 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 .

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paperwork Review Session

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

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

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

 

WTP Pageant Bootcamp In
Columbus, Ohio

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

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

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

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

COMING TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

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

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

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

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

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

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

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The WTP Pageant Planner

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

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

What's Inside...
Contact Page

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

Live Performance Forms

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

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

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

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

Notes Section

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

Calendar Section

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

Storage Pockets

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

The WTP Interview Card Set

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

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

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

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

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

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.

 

Your expectations lay the groundwork for how positive your national pageant experience will be. Today I share 5 tips that will help you at your national pageant.

• Get plenty of rest before you leave for the pageant. The schedule is packed and you will get very little sleep at the pageant. Any FUN events should be done either before or after the actual competition. Once the competition schedule begins, it’s WORK time. If the whole family goes, get them their own room or have something for them to do off site so you can get ready in your own space. Pageants are VERY stressful. When there are too many people under foot, drama will happen.

• The most positive and ideal situation is to have only ONE of your children compete at a time. All three of my daughters competed at the MAC national pageant last week and I will never do all three at the same time again. It’s too overwhelming and not enjoyable. I’ve now done all combinations at all levels of competition and I can firmly say that one at a time is the best way to go.

• You will need support a team. Surround yourself with people who work well under pressure, keep you in a positive state of mind, and who are punctual, detail oriented and organized. Know your weaknesses and enlist the help of those who have the strengths you need to keep things moving in the right direction. Avoid situations and people who push your buttons. The more self reliant you are, the better; but you can’t do everything alone.

• Expect the unexpected. Expect to be surprised by people’s behavior and who shows up at the national competition. If you know ahead of time that someone or something will catch you off guard, you’ll be expecting it.

• Expect to feel every human emotion possible during pageant week. The key is not to let the feelings define who you are or paralyze you. If an emotion is taking you to a negative place, you need to have a plan as to how you can flip the situation quickly. This might mean physically leaving the situation or mentally escaping to your “happy” place.

To all of you who have worked with me one-on-one, attended my boot camps, received my interview cards and used the abundant information I freely give in my newsletters, I congratulate each and every one of you on your accomplishments this past week at the national MAC and NAM pageants.

My focus has and always will be on the positive growth process leading up to the pageant. What you have learned in that process is applied not only to the pageant; but in your life after the crowning moment.

It takes a whole team of people to help you succeed; but at the end of the pageant, it is YOU who has won the honor—not your stylist nor one of your many coaches. YOU.

But remember to give proper credit where credit is due, be humble in your attitude, and be respectful in your words and actions. Forget no one who has helped you along the way.

 

“The more credit you give away, the more will come back to you. The more you help others, the more they will want to help you.” Brian Tracy

 

 

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 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 .

 

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 .

 

After months of preparation, what do you do when your best isn’t good enough to win the crown? (Sigh) I have been there more times than I care to remember. As much as I tried to mentally prepare myself when I was a competitor, the sting of not hearing my name called out as the winner was always painful. Sometimes the pain was deeper than others; but it was there none the less. So, what do you do when your best wasn’t enough? The answer came to me from an unexpected place this week.

It was a big week with many highs and lows. I was at the Ohio State Fair where my daughters were having their 4-H projects judged. In between their competitions, I would read the messages coming into my cell phone from my clients. The thrill of victory and agony of defeat is putting it mildly.
As I sat in the youth center, I read the 4-H banner, “To make the best better!” Now, I’ve seen this banner for years and, honestly, I thought it was the goofiest slogan ever—that is, until now. It finally hit me.

It’s all about continual improvement. You work hard to be your very best at the moment you are competing; and at that moment, you may be at your best. Based on your training, resources, and time available to you, you were at a peak. But, life is never stagnant. You can always make the best better. Tomorrow you’ll learn something new and that will help you move forward and become even better. I’m sure when the first car was invented; some people thought it couldn’t get any better than that. There is always something we can improve on if we stay in the growing mode.

You will experience many peaks and valleys through your life. When standing on a peak, shout a big “Woo Hoo” and enjoy it. When in the valley look up, evaluate your resources, and start hiking back up the mountain.

Now, getting back to the pageant. The best thing to do is give the director a week after the pageant to just relax. A lot goes into preparing for a pageant. Plus, you need the time to chill out and purge yourself of all the negative thoughts and energy that you are holding onto. Call your coach or a trusted friend to let you just vent to get it out of your system. Don’t expect them to fix it. You just need a good listener at this point.

Next, call the director and ask for any feedback that they could share with you. Some directors will give you directions at the pageant about their protocol. If you do, follow it and follow up. You can’t make improvements unless you know what areas your scores were lowest in.

If the director doesn’t give you feedback, then you’re on your own to figure out your next steps. Many times, you don’t need to change a thing. You just need a different set of judges. So look for another competition. But there are times when you need to invest in a different gown or hire someone to do your hair and makeup. Perhaps your communication skills need more work. Or maybe it’s time to hire a coach, or get a different one.

The point is, you can always improve. Enjoy the journey and make the most out of your preparation process.

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

Your appearance and performance during pageant preliminaries are very important to your chances of winning the overall title. Preliminaries serve as the “weeding out” process. Usually, preliminary competitions take place a day or two before finals. All of the contestants receive scores during preliminaries; however only the Top 5 are watched, ranked or scored during finals.

What is so important to remember is that you can’t hold anything back during the preliminary competitions. Your hair, makeup, gown, suit, interview and overall energy level must be at its best during preliminaries. The first impression judges get of you is very difficult to change and you might not be given a second chance.

Most of the time, the judges have already chosen their favorite contestant before finals begins. If you haven’t got ten their attention before then, having your hair and makeup styled to perfection on the night of finals only, or saving your show stopping gown to wear during finals, isn’t going to make a difference. If you didn’t make the list of semi-finalists, you’re not going to be scored on finals night, no matter how flawlessly you perform or look.

Here’s how it typically works. There are basically three ways to score a pageant:

• Numeric Scoring. Each pageant system has their own numeric scale but each contestant receives a number somewhere on the scale.

• Ranking. In ranking, no numeric score is given. The judges are asked to put the contestant number of their favorite contestant on line #1, their second favorite on #2, and so one.

 

• Mentions. On the ballot are the state names or contestant numbers. The judges are asked to simply circle a set number of their favorite contestants in the pageant. During preliminary judging, they may be asked to circle their top 15 names; but on finals night told to only circle their favorite 3 contestants and finally the top one.

There is a fourth way of scoring that isn’t used much and it is by consensus.Consensus is where the judges talk among themselves after they’ve seen all the contestants and they must all agree on the winner. Oh yes, you can see how difficult consensus scoring would be.

The scores from the preliminary competitions are used to get the semi-finalists.The only names or numbers on the judge’s ballot on the night of finals is typically the top five. Usually the final ballot cast is a ranking ballot. Now, once you’re a semi-finalist, you need to continuing being spot on. At that point, the judges are looking for the girl who is a “stand out”.

So the moral of the story is this, you must be at your very best each and every time you are in front of the judges. Preliminaries are not to be treated as “warm up”. They are the deal breaker. The very first time the judges see you, is THE MOST IMPORTANT, because first impressions are hard to change.

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.

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 .