How to Ace the On-Stage Interview at a Beauty Pageant

Be enthusiastic and confident, but don't talk too fast!

During the on-stage interview portion of a beauty competition, the judges are looking for a candidate who can maintain her poise and grace in a stressful situation. Here's how to ace the on-stage interview at a pageant. Keep these tips in mind and you'll tackle the interview with confidence.

Things You'll Need

• Tape recorder

Instructions

1. Use your time wisely. You will have an average of 20 seconds to answer each question; although this might seem like not enough time, if you are not ready these 20 seconds can seem like an eternity. Practice limiting your answers to 20 seconds.

2. Look at the judges -- they are the ones scoring you. Forget about the other contestants, the master of ceremonies and the audience.

3. Breathe correctly. When you are nervous, you tend to talk more quickly than usual. Practice breathing exercises that will come in handy during stressful situations.

4. Speak with enthusiasm. At this point of the competition the pageant is almost over and you will be tired; you want to let the judges know you are just as excited about being crowned as you were at the begging of the competition.

5. Sound like a winner. You will be judged by the way you speak, so make sure you have good diction and a strong vocabulary. It is not only important what you say, but also the way you say it. If you are not sure what you sound like, record yourself with a tape recorder and play it back after you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to build a strong vocabulary is through reading. Read everything you can get your hands on -- and read it out loud.

• If you have problems speaking in public, consider speech classes at a local university or community center.