Ok, so we all know that everyone who competes wants to win. There will be some competing who have never competed before, some who have competed only a few times, and then there's the pageant girls who compete often.
Not everyone can win a title, but I like to try and start everyone off with the same foot as much as I can, so here are some tips:
1. Be confident - your confidence shines through and enhances everything you do! What's the best way to feel confident? 2. Practice Practice Practice - The more you practice, the better you'll do and the more confidence you'll have in your ability. 3. Don't play with your clothes - make an effort that even when you're nervous, don't pull at your clothes. It's a nervous habit that many do. 4. When sitting and speaking to a judge, make sure you sit up straight and answer in complete sentences. If you need to think about an answer for a moment, don't say "um", start by restating the question - for instance, if a judge asks you what your favorite color is, don't just say "red" - say "my favorite color is red" or better yet, give a reason "my favorite color is red because red makes me think of......" 5. When you walk on the stage, use the "X" as a guide, don't worry so much about standing directly on the "X" 6. Show your personality when you're on stage and off 7. Remember that even if you're in the hallway or any public area, a judge may see you, so always be on your best behavior. A judge seeing you argue with your mom in front of everyone may make a negative impact on the judge 8. At state and Nationals, be sure to be a part of everything we have going on. This will allow you to make new friends and feel more comfortable with them when you compete. Having fun and making new friends will make your competition so much more fun and will lower the stress level. 9. Stay away from glitz and semi-glitz dresses. You can wear whatever type of dress you'd like, but you will be scored off for glitz wear. While a small amount of sparkle is OK, always remember that we are a natural pageant and natural dresses will make more of an impact on the judges - so don't start off in the negative. Keep in mind, this goes more for the younger girls. The teen and above contestants may wear prom style dresses that have bead work on them without worry of points off. 10. Make sure your clothes fit you. If your dress is too big, it will look sloppy. If it's too small, it won't look right. 11. Wear appropriate length clothing. Although a mini might look cute, and you may rock it on stage, realize that your private parts may show - this will reflect negatively on your score 12. Take some time and think about what you're wearing - making sure to wear the right color underclothes 13. Make up - younger girls should not wear make up at all. If they do, all that's allowed is cover up and clear lip gloss. Jr. Teen and above may wear natural looking age appropriate make up 14. Remember no fake rule applies - no fake hair, no falls, no false eyelashes, etc. 15. Look the judges in the eye, but don't forget to engage the audience as well 16. Smile, Smile, Smile!
17. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We are here to make this a great experience. You can ask any of the staff and any Queens that are walking around. We are all here to assist! Remember, no question is silly. 18. Most of all..... have fun! You may win, you may not - and although it's difficult when you don't win, you've just gotten the experience necessary to find out what you need to work on to compete again and try for the win next time!
I hope this helps somewhat. Don't forget, arrive early and maybe you can take some time to practice on the stage before we let people in!