You can also try to get in touch with the organizers of the pageant if you are competing in a small or local pageant and see if they can connect with recordings. If you can’t find footage from your particular pageant, watch interviews from similar pageants to see the kinds of questions that are posed to the contestants.
Ask the former contestant if there was anything about the interview that they didn’t expect, and ask them what goes on behind the scenes. Ask the contestant if they were asked any challenging questions, and what advice they would give you for answering more difficult questions.
Make sure you know the length of the interview, as well as the number of questions usually asked. Also know what time the interview is and how the interviewing process fits in with the rest of the day. Finally, make sure you understand the judging system of the interview. Many beauty pageants have a panel of judges that assess your answers based on multiple criteria. See if there is a copy of a rubric or scorecard that judges will use that you can view to prepare for the interview.
Because paperwork is often used as a tool for formulating questions, it’s good to review what you wrote. This can give you a good idea of what questions you may be asked to answer. For instance, if you wrote that you love working with animals in your bio, you may be asked in your interview what laws or regulations you think there should be in place to stop cruelty to animals. If you wrote that you love painting, you might be asked a question about why the arts are important to society.
Make sure you know your opinion on controversial subjects like gun control and national security. Also be informed about local issues and politicians, especially if you are competing in a local pageant.
For instance, maybe you are a sporty girl who was a tomboy growing up. Emphasize how sports helped you grow as a person, and aim to talk about how critical sports and other extracurriculars are in school systems.
Record yourself answering mock interview questions, then review the tapes. With each practice round you do, try to improve on aspects of your performance.
If you are sitting during the interview, sit up straight in your chair or even lean slightly forward. If you lean back, you will look too casual.
It will also make you look more personable and natural if you speak to the judges.
For instance, if you are asked what your favorite book is but you’re not a big reader, give an answer that allows you to segue into a topic that interests you more. For instance, you could say, “I love reading classic plays like A Streetcar Named Desire because theater is a passion of mine. I see plays around my city whenever I can, and I especially like musical theater. "
For instance, if the judges ask you for your opinion on a conflict or war you don’t know that much about, talk about it in a general sense by saying something like, “That’s a good question. This is a topic I’m still researching and learning about, and it’s upsetting to hear about the devastation that this conflict is inflicting on this part of the world. All I can hope for is that each side of the conflict can put aside their differences and compromise with each other to stop the cycle of violence. "
If you mentally move on and give great answers to the rest of your questions, it’s likely that no one will even remember the question you messed up.
Don’t wear something like a dress with straps that fall down, or extra high heels that you’re not comfortable walking in. You don’t need the anxiety of having a potential wardrobe mishap on top of your nerves about the pageant. Make sure that your hair and makeup is also foul proof. Don’t use eyeliner that smears or put your hair up in a style that isn’t secure.
Decide what is most relaxing for you. Some prefer to keep to themselves when nervous, while others like the distraction of talking to others.
You can also try thinking positive and empowering thoughts. Examples of these are: “This interview is going to go well” and “I am an impressive contestant. ”
Remember that all contestants are usually asked different questions, so don’t obsess about how you would answer one of their questions.
