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Pageant Tips

How to Become a Queen without loosing Sleep

Tips from Experts and Beauty Queens

*The Entry Form

Fill out the entry form or application as neat as possible, preferably typed. This shows how professional you are. Make a copy of entry form or application before submitting it. During interview with Judges, they are likely to have your application in front of them. Be honest with your answers!

*Your Photos

· Most pageants require a head shot and a some require a full body shot

· Choose a Photographer that has experience in this type of Photos

· Photos need to be recent, especially if you have changed your hair color or style

· Do not send in high fashion photos

· Pick a simple outfit, you can never go wrong with simplicity

· Jewelry should be minimum (pearls are recommended)

· Hair style should be Natural

· Very little Make-up is recommended- Remember that these photos will be the first impression that the judges and committee have of you.

*Your Hair Style

· Your hair is your Crowning Glory

· Remember that your hair can make or break your appearance

· Do NOT choose a Hair Stylist by their reputation or recommendation

· Try several hair styles before choosing one

· Take Polaroid pictures with different hairstyles and different angles of your head/face to compare

· For the swimsuit competition wear your hair loose

· Depending on your Evening Gown, is how you will determine your hairstyle

· Keep your face visible from all angles

· Do not hide behind your hair

· Choose a style that will go well with the Crown, and keep in mind that the Crown could be yours!!!

*Make Up Tips

· Moisturizer

· Foundation

· Concealer foundation (one or two shades lighter than your overall foundation)
· Translucent powder

· Blush (your fingertips are your natural blushing color, and matching blush to this looks more natural)

· Contour Powder (1 or 2 shades darker to define cheek bones)

· Eye shadow

· Eyeliner

· Eyebrow pencil

· Eyelash/eyebrow brush

· Mascara (The well-known brand of Great Lash [pink bottle and lime green cap] is still the most popular brand and is used most by make-up artists.)

· Eyelash curler

· Lip liner

· Lipstick

· Lip gloss/petroleum jelly

· Hand mirror

· Sponges to blend foundation

· Cotton balls

· Cotton swabs

· Assorted sizes of makeup brushes
· Tissues (to wipe make-up off your hands/fingers)

(Most Pageants have their own Make-up Artists to help, however you should know the style of make up that you prefer. Also, you should bring your own supplies in case of any unexpected predicaments.)

· Make-up should be as Natural as possible remembering that on stage Make-up is always altered

· As with your hair style, try different colors and styles, Remember to take Polaroid pictures to compare

· Corrective Make-up is recommended, but do not over do it

· Body Make-up is also recommended for Swimsuit CompetitionYour Wardrobe

Determine how many and what type of outfits are required by asking the following questions:

· How long is the competition?

· How many times are you meeting?

· At what time are the meetings going to take place? (day/evening)

· What type of Social Events will you be attending?(Business Event, Casual, Cocktail, Semi-formal, Formal, Black Tie.)

· Are the Judges going to be attending the rehearsals?

(Regardless if Judges are going to attend rehearsals or not, you should always dress for success!)

· Do you need a country or state costume?

· Do you need a talent costume?

· Dress for success at all times: at preliminaries, at your first meeting, during rehearsals, at Social Events, before the competition, etc. Accessories are essential.

*Your Swimsuit (Most Pageants provide you with a Swimsuit.) If not provided with one:

· Choose dark or bright colors

· One piece bathing suits are recommended

· Full back is a plus

· Spandex material

· Select correct color of body make-up and try it before day of competition!

*Your Evening Gown

(You do not need to spend Hundreds of Dollars on an Evening Gown.)

· Remember that simplicity is always a plus

· Choose a color that goes well with your skin

· Choose a material and style that will beautify your figure

· Try different Gowns before choosing one

Keep in mind:

· your hair style

· your make-up

· your skin conditions (avoid showing tan lines)

· your height

· your weight and posture

· your ability to walk in heels

· your ability to walk on stage

· your ability to walk up and down stairs

· the type of shoes that you will need for the Gown

· the accessories (whether or not jewelry is allowed)

*Remember that your Evening Gown is the most important Outfit that you will wear in front of the Judges, Media, and Audience.*

*Your Swimsuit (Most Pageants provide you with a Swimsuit.) If not provided with one:

· Choose dark or bright colors

· One piece bathing suits are recommended

· Full back is a plus

· Spandex material

· Select correct color of body make-up and try it before day of competition!

· Translucent powder

· Blush (your fingertips are your natural blushing color, and matching blush to this looks more natural)

· Contour Powder (1 or 2 shades darker to define cheek bones)

· Eye shadow

· Eyeliner

· Eyebrow pencil

· Eyelash/eyebrow brush

· Mascara (The well-known brand of Great Lash [pink bottle and lime green cap] is still the most popular brand and is used most by make-up artists.)

· Eyelash curler

· Lip liner

· Lipstick

· Lip gloss/petroleum jelly

· Hand mirror

· Sponges to blend foundation

· Cotton balls

· Cotton swabs

· Assorted sizes of makeup brushes

· Tissues (to wipe make-up off your hands/fingers)

(Most Pageants have their own Make-up Artists to help, however you should know the style of make up that you prefer. Also, you should bring your own supplies in case of any unexpected predicaments.)

· Make-up should be as Natural as possible remembering that on stage Make-up is always altered

· As with your hair style, try different colors and styles, Remember to take Polaroid pictures to compare

· Corrective Make-up is recommended, but do not over do it

· Body Make-up is also recommended for Swimsuit CompetitionYour Wardrobe

Determine how many and what type of outfits are required by asking the following questions:

· How long is the competition?

· How many times are you meeting?

· At what time are the meetings going to take place? (day/evening)

· What type of Social Events will you be attending?(Business Event, Casual, Cocktail, Semi-formal, Formal, Black Tie.)

· Are the Judges going to be attending the rehearsals?

(Regardless if Judges are going to attend rehearsals or not, you should always dress for success!)

· Do you need a country or state costume?

· Do you need a talent costume?

· Dress for success at all times: at preliminaries, at your first meeting, during rehearsals, at Social Events, before the competition, etc. Accessories are essential.

*Your Swimsuit (Most Pageants provide you with a Swimsuit.) If not provided with one:

· Choose dark or bright colors

· One piece bathing suits are recommended

· Full back is a plus

· Spandex material

· Select correct color of body make-up and try it before day of competition!

*Your Evening Gown

(You do not need to spend Hundreds of Dollars on an Evening Gown.)

· Remember that simplicity is always a plus

· Choose a color that goes well with your skin

· Choose a material and style that will beautify your figure

· Try different Gowns before choosing one

Keep in mind:

· your hair style

· your make-up

· your skin conditions (avoid showing tan lines)

· your height

· your weight and posture

· your ability to walk in heels

· your ability to walk on stage

· your ability to walk up and down stairs

· the type of shoes that you will need for the Gown

· the accessories (whether or not jewelry is allowed)

*Remember that your Evening Gown is the most important Outfit that you will wear in front of the Judges, Media, and Audience.*

· Translucent powder

· Blush (your fingertips are your natural blushing color, and matching blush to this looks more natural)

· Contour Powder (1 or 2 shades darker to define cheek bones)

· Eye shadow

· Eyeliner

· Eyebrow pencil

· Eyelash/eyebrow brush

· Mascara (The well-known brand of Great Lash [pink bottle and lime green cap] is still the most popular brand and is used most by make-up artists.)

· Eyelash curler

· Lip liner

· Lipstick

· Lip gloss/petroleum jelly

· Hand mirror

· Sponges to blend foundation

· Cotton balls

· Cotton swabs

· Assorted sizes of makeup brushes

· Tissues (to wipe make-up off your hands/fingers)

(Most Pageants have their own Make-up Artists to help, however you should know the style of make up that you prefer. Also, you should bring your own supplies in case of any unexpected predicaments.)

· Make-up should be as Natural as possible remembering that on stage Make-up is always altered

· As with your hair style, try different colors and styles, Remember to take Polaroid pictures to compare

· Corrective Make-up is recommended, but do not over do it

· Body Make-up is also recommended for Swimsuit CompetitionYour Wardrobe

Determine how many and what type of outfits are required by asking the following questions:

· How long is the competition?

· How many times are you meeting?

· At what time are the meetings going to take place? (day/evening)

· What type of Social Events will you be attending?(Business Event, Casual, Cocktail, Semi-formal, Formal, Black Tie.)

· Are the Judges going to be attending the rehearsals?

(Regardless if Judges are going to attend rehearsals or not, you should always dress for success!)

· Do you need a country or state costume?

· Do you need a talent costume?

· Dress for success at all times: at preliminaries, at your first meeting, during rehearsals, at Social Events, before the competition, etc. Accessories are essential.

*Your Swimsuit (Most Pageants provide you with a Swimsuit.) If not provided with one:

· Choose dark or bright colors

· One piece bathing suits are recommended

· Full back is a plus

· Spandex material

· Select correct color of body make-up and try it before day of competition!

*Your Evening Gown

(You do not need to spend Hundreds of Dollars on an Evening Gown.)

· Remember that simplicity is always a plus

· Choose a color that goes well with your skin

· Choose a material and style that will beautify your figure

· Try different Gowns before choosing one

Keep in mind:

· your hair style

· your make-up

· your skin conditions (avoid showing tan lines)

· your height

· your weight and posture

· your ability to walk in heels

· your ability to walk on stage

· your ability to walk up and down stairs

· the type of shoes that you will need for the Gown

· the accessories (whether or not jewelry is allowed)

*Remember that your Evening Gown is the most important Outfit that you will wear in front of the Judges, Media, and Audience.*

Top 10 Beauty Pageant Tips

Top 10 Tips to be Successful

TIP # 1

Never act like you are the best thing that just walked through the door! Leave the pre-madonnna attitude at home! No matter what contest you are in, or what event you are at, or no matter how well you think you are going to fairâ€¦always act like you are the newest kid on the block! You can always stand to learn a new thing or two from your fellow contestants or organizers.

TIP #2

Always investigate or learn about the contest you are entering or the event you are trying to represent. Nothing looks more model type than someone that does not have a clue about the event or company they are representing. Do some homework, memorize a little bit. And if there are questions that come up during the event that you are unsure of, then be honest and say you do not know the answer. Do not try to fake it!

TIP #3

Be prepared for the event. Never leave outfits or routines for contests until the last minute. You’ll run out of time, and then you will not be satisfied with your selections. Always bring a little sewing kit with you, because you never know when you’ll have to make last-minute fixes! Always bring a cordless curling iron if you are curling your hair because there is almost never a plug outlet in change rooms! Always bring your own mirror! Why fight for a mirror with all the others?

TIP #4

Be on time! Always! This is a must and can not be stressed enough. Being fashionably late for a contest or an event is bad business! No one cares if you had to powder your nose again! In this business being late often means that someone else will get your spot!

TIP #5

Be courteous to your fellow models. There is no point to being rivals and bad-mouthing each other. Yes, it makes for an interesting competition but when the contest is over, it just makes for enemies! Treat everyone with respect.

TIP #6

Do not-bad talk your fellow contestants/models at any point in time! I know this one sounds like #5 but it bares repeating! Talking to girls about other girls never stays a secret! This is a lesson to be well learned by many females. It’s never the loudest girl that wins!

TIP #7

Respect the organizers of the contest. These are the people that can make or break you. If you think for one second they do not have any hand in selecting the winner guess again! The judges may pick the winner, but the organizers often give a full report to the judges about how a contestant has been acting throughout the event. Everything does get noticed. Even when you think you are not being judged, guess what? You ARE being judged. So you usually cannot fake it!

TIP #8

Respect the rules of the contest. If there is a curfew, there’s a reason for the curfew! Do not be shocked if there’s a surprise check at your door just after curfew.

TIP #9

Leave your boyfriends at home!!! This one has to be the biggest one! Ladies, your boyfriend can be your best friend, but at times your worst enemy. When their girlfriend that is being the subject of every man’s attention, watch out for a change in attitude. Do not let him dictate what you can and cannot do. If you want to enter a contest or do a photo shoot, and if you’ve done your homework prior to, it, then all the more power to you. Tell the boyfriend that you’ll call him when you get the chance during the event, but you’ll be busy!

TIP #10

Have fun! Enjoy the experience. Whether it is a contest, an event, a show or whatever, treat it like you may never get to be there again or do it ever again. Soak up the memories! And always follow up with a kind thank you email to the organizers so you never burn your bridges!

*BONUS TIP

Refrain from saying the contest was fixed if you do not win. It just makes you look like a sore loser. That’s why it’s so important that you try to just have fun instead.

TIP #7

TIP #8

Respect the rules of the contest. If there is a curfew, there’s a reason for the curfew! Do not be shocked if there’s a surprise check at your door just after curfew.

TIP #9

TIP #10

Have fun! Enjoy the experience. Whether it is a contest, an event, a show or whatever, treat it like you may never get to be there again or do itt ever again. Soak up the memories! And always follow up with a kind thank you email to the organizers so you never burn your bridges!

*BONUS TIP

Refrain from saying the contest was fixed if you do not win. It just makes you look like a sore loser. That’s why it’s so important that you try to just have fun instead.

Pageant Words & Definitions

1. Newbie- Someone who is new to pageants.

2. H/M- Hair & make up artist.

3. Pro- Someone who usually wins Supreme or Overall titles and uses professional H/M, clothing designers & coaches.

4. Pro-Am - A style of very upbeat walking, turns and moves only found in pageants. Sometimes called “vogue modeling” it isÂ like dance moves that include turns, hand & head gestures, jacket tricks and more performed to upbeat music.

5. Sportswear- This does NOT mean clothes with a sports theme! This is usually an outfit that is a jumpsuit or crop top and pants that may have a matching tear away skirt or jacket. You can see examples of sportswear by visiting the pageant consignment shops & pageant clothing deisgners websites. Sportswear is usually defined in 2 ways. One is “glitz” (also called “vogue”), the other is “off the rack”. You will need to contact the pageants director to find out which type their pageant is having.

6. Vogue - heavily decorated with sparkle such as rhinestones, ribbons, pearls, stones, brooches, etc. and usually custom made.

7. "OTR" or Off the Rack - an outfit that was purchased at a store and has had nothing added to it.

8. Casual wear - Clothing that is considered before 5 pm wear, something cute, funky or upbeat that you would wear everyday to school or the mall. Informal. Can be off the rack or custom made depending on what your pageant director allows.

9. Sunday Best - The type of dress that you would wear to church, not a pageant dress. This is a beuty dress typically worn in natural or "face" pageants. It can be custom, but is typically bought OTR. It can be a dressy church style dress or a flower girl dress bought from a bridal shop.

10. Prelim - Preliminary pageant. Some pageants require that you compete at their prelim before being eligible to go on to their State or National pageant level. This is usually a more casual, smaller version of that systems larger pageant. The attire is usually simple pageant dresses or Sundays Best. There are usually less catagories to enter and the pageant & crowning is held in one afternoon. Entry fees are less and prizes are less but it is a great place to practice before going on to the next level and to win fees off of the higher level pageants. the next level and to win fees off of the higher level pageants.

11. Evening Gown Presentation vs. Evening Gown Competition - An Evening Gown Presentation is often used to describe the showcase of gowns whether through modeling or a dance. The Evening Gown Competition is your moment to shine! This is where the scoring takes place.

12. “Glitz”- refers to a particular type pageant style. Glitz is typically: fancy dresses that are custom made, rhinestones, make up, hairpieces and big hair!

13. Natural- refers to a particular pageant style. Typically it is lacking make up, hairpieces and rhinestones on the clothes! Clothing is more conservative. These dresses can be custom made or (OTR).

14. OOAK - One Of A Kind. Refers to a custom made dress.

15. Super stretch - a heavy lycra material that comes in white or can be dyed to various colors. This is often used to make bodices.

16. bodice - the top of the dress.

17. Shell -an undecorated dress. NO trims or rhinestones.

18. Trims - the lace and appliqués on a dress.

19. Stoned - it is a dress that has rhinestones!

20. “Broach” or ” broach stones”- these are large rhinestones or a cluster of rhinestones. They are usually found only in glitz dresses.

Public Speaking Tips

Public Speaking 101

By: Samantha Strickland

Anyone who’s ever experienced stage fright has at some point been told to “just imagine the audience naked.” Whoever started this bizarre myth? By taking this advice you’ll either crack-up laughing imagining the fat, bald guy in row two wearing nothing but a smile or get so distracted by the potential six-pack on hot guy in the back of the room that you may never actually begin speaking. Take it from someone who battled those butterflies and won the war! Use the following top 10 tips to become a perfect 10 communicator.

10. Look Professional.

People believe what their eyes tell them to believe. If they see a polished, professional young woman come to the front of the room, they assume you’re a credible speaker. You’ll also FEEL more confident when you look your best. So before your next presentation, go get a hair cut, polish your nails, and pullout that “interview” suit from the back of the closet. Regardless of the age of your audience, if you dress to impress, you’ll at least get their attention. (The hard part is keeping it!)

9. Breathe.

Most people start getting the most nervous the moment before they take control of the room. The heart starts racing and the brain starts blurring. Believe it or not, the quickest way to control your nerves is to breathe. It sounds simple, but most people forget to take deep breaths before taking the stage. As you’re being introduced, take ten long breathes from deep within your gut. For maximum relaxation, be sure your stomach is moving in and out and that your shoulders aren’t rising up and down. You want to breathe from your diaphragm.

8. Stay on Message.

I’ll never forget the best writing advice I ever received; it came from my freshman English professor. He said when you’re developing an essay, “Tell em what you’re gonna tell ‘em, Tell ‘em, Tell ‘em what you told ‘em”. Basically this means, use your introduction to preview your main points, use the body to explain the details of your points, then review your points in your closing. This holds VERY true for speeches or interviews. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re banging your message into your audience’s head-GOOD! If they can walk away and can regurgitate your main points, then you’ve succeeded as a speaker.

7. Control Yourself.

The nerves and excitement that come with being the center of attention as a public speaker tend to make us jumpy! Your vocal rate and gestures can quickly discredit you as a speaker. Force yourself to take a pause/breath after every couple of sentences. Take this opportunity to look around the room at your audience. Also, rest your hands in a steeple position about belly-button level. This ensures your hands won’t fly around as you’re speaking and helps keep you from fidgeting.

6. Eye Contact.

Another myth in public speaking you might hear is “Look at a spot in the back of the room and the audience will think you’re using eye contact.” Baloney! Audiences are much smarter than that. You absolutely must look individual people in the eyes. If for no other reason, when you gaze directly at them, they feel obligated to listen to what you’re saying! But more importantly, you’ll receive important feedback that will let you know whether you’re connecting with your audience.

5. Verbal Visual Aids.

As a novice public speaker, nothing can give you more confidence than well-planned visual aids. They work for several reasons. First, the attention is drawn off you exclusively. Next, they help drill home your important points. Most people are visual learners. Know the old saying, “A picture’s worth a thousand words”? It’s true! Use your language to depict a graphic illustration of what you’re trying to convey and the audience retention multiplies exponentially.

4. Interact.

Don’t be afraid of the audience. Unless they’re a captive audience (i.e. gagged and bound and forced to listen to you!), they want to hear what you have to say. And usually, they have feelings and opinions about your points. Don’t be afraid to let them speak up or ask questions. People want to be involved in the experience and they’ll actually consider you a more powerful speaker if you allow them to participate.

3. Smile!

Generally, audiences must like a speaker before they’ll accept anything she says. If you genuinely smile as you’re speaking, the audience will be more drawn to what you’re saying. Remember, a smile truly is contagious. If you can get the audience to smile and nod along with you’re saying, the likelihood they’ll believe your position increases.

2. Relax.

Do you remember when you were a child anticipating Christmas morning? The excitement you felt was probably nauseating, right? The same feeling you have when you’re excited or overjoyed about something is physiologically the same feeling you experience when you’re nervous. This means you can turn those nervous butterflies into a positive energy that enables you to perform. When you start to feel those butterflies flapping around in your tummy, just conjure up a happy memory where you were really excited and had a positive experience. This mental exercise helps transform your nerves into excitement. From now on, just relax and think of Santa Claus and you’ll be fine!

1. Prepare.

Practice does not make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect. If you want to succeed as a public speaker, you absolutely must practice this skill. Even the most talented communicators started off with a few embarrassing moments. The fact is, very few people actually started off as amazing speakers. Public speaking is a LEARNED skill. However, the only way you’ll improve is do it. So find ways to practice. Force yourself to give a toast at your cousin’s wedding or introduce a substitute teacher to the class. Just remember, Katie Couric wasn’t built in a day…

discredit you as a speaker. Force yourself to take a pause/breath after every couple of sentences. Take this opportunity to look around the room at your audience. Also, rest your hands in a steeple position about belly-button level. This ensures your hands won’t fly around as you’re speaking and helps keep you from fidgeting.

6. Eye Contact.

5. Verbal Visual Aids.

4. Interact.

3. Smile!

2. Relax.

happy memory where you were really excited and had a positive experience. This mental exercise helps transform your nerves into excitement. From now on, just relax and think of Santa Claus and you’ll be fine!

1. Prepare.