| Ask any experienced pageant contestant and they will | | | | department conveys to the judges that she can |
| tell you - the most crucial competition in any beauty | | | | handle the next level of competition, should the winner |
| pageant is the interview competition. So what it is | | | | be continuing on to a national or even international level. |
| about the interview competition that makes it so | | | | For example, the winner of a state pageant may go |
| important? Can a contestant blow the interview, but still | | | | on to compete in Miss America or Miss USA, and the |
| win the pageant? | | | | judges most likely will be looking to choose a winner |
| Here are some reasons why pageant experts agree | | | | who can effectively communicate her goals to a |
| that the interview can make or break your standings in | | | | larger audience under intense circumstances without |
| any pageant competition. | | | | appearing nervous. |
| First Impressions | | | | Expectations for the Titleholder |
| Did you ever hear the old saying, "You never get a | | | | Once a winner is chosen, as titleholder they will be |
| second chance to make a first impression?" Well, the | | | | expected, whether on a local, state, national or |
| same holds true for pageants as in life, that when the | | | | international level, to represent their community by |
| judges see and hear you for the first time, that | | | | attendance at various appearances and events. Many |
| impression will set the tone for how they see you | | | | times a pageant titleholder will be asked to speak at |
| throughout the rest of the competition. And, since most | | | | an event or to be interviewed by the press. Based |
| beauty pageants follow the format of holding the | | | | upon performance during pageant speeches and |
| preliminary interview competitions first, it is likely during | | | | interviews, the judges will be able to choose a |
| the interview competition that you will get your one | | | | contestant they feel will be able to effectively fulfill the |
| and only chance to make a first impression on the | | | | duties of a winner. |
| judges. | | | | As you can see, pageant interviews can make or |
| Communication Skills | | | | break a contestant's standings, and with good reason. |
| Good communication skills are the foundation for | | | | The most important thing to remember during any |
| excelling in any pageant speech or interview situation. | | | | pageant interview is to relax and be yourself, for it is |
| A contestant who is strong in the interview | | | | ultimately your personality that will win the crown. |