Writing a Pageant Platform Essay

Beauty pageants require contestants to take platforms by writing essays introducing their connection to social issues. Write a solid pageant platform statement with a pageant veteran in this free beauty pageant preparation video series.

Series Summary

P.T. Barnum brought the first beauty pageant to America in 1854, and during the 1880s newspapers held many photo pageants around the country. The Miss America pageant, which began in 1921, is the nation’s largest pageant and holds many statewide and now international pageants related to the crown. It also provides more scholarship money to young ladies than any other organization in the world. During World War II, pageant beauties sold bonds, and pageants were held to entertain the troops. Beauty pageants often consist of competitions in areas such as talent, judged interviews, swimsuit and evening-wear modeling, and platform questions or statements. Modern pageants are trying to emphasize the holistic theme of the contestants, reminding viewers that outer beauty is but one of the factors being judged. In this beauty pageant video series, experienced pageant contestant, judge and director Erica Saylors uses model Ashley Charlton to talk about writing a platform statement for entry to a pageant. Saylors covers the importance of platform essays and how to go about writing one, including choosing a platform, keeping it personal for the contestant, writing in good form, and finally presenting the platform essay to judges. Saylors has tips for adding stories to platform statements and offers sound writing advice for would-be contestants.

Listing 1-13 of 13 eHow Videos

About the Presenter

Erica Saylors

Writing a Pageant Platform Essay

About the Presenter

Related Videos

Related Articles