Do you feel anxious about taking part in a pageant for the first time? In that case, you’re not alone. After competing in their first pageant, everyone feels some apprehension. But with some study and practice, you’ll be just as prepared as the most seasoned competitor. Just remember these 6 essential guidelines for a successful pageant debut.
1. Ensure That Your Strengths Match The Scored Areas Of Competition.
Although it’s tempting to try out for every pageant that looks interesting, not all of them will be a good fit for you. The scoring categories for a competition should be a good fit for your abilities.
Does your performance count for a third of your final grade? Then you ought to be endowed with some skill that amazes and amuses audiences. Is this some kind of beauty contest on a raised platform? Then, you’ll require both a personal platform and service in the community.
You may want to skip the competition if you feel you lack proficiency in the areas that will have the greatest impact on your overall score. Selecting a pageant that is a good fit for you will improve your chances of placing highly.
2. Go Over Your Contestant Packet.
After entering, you’re pumped up and don’t feel like reading the fine print. It’s true that your contestant package seems to be lacking in value, but it actually contains a treasure.
The first thing you should look for is the competition wardrobe requirements. What are the swimsuit/fitness attire rules? What shoes are okay/not okay? You may lose points or even be disqualified if you don’t follow the wardrobe rules.
The format and length of your interview should be your next consideration. Is it a standing panel interview that’s 5 minutes long? Or is it a seated one-on-one interview that’s 60 seconds long? Knowing the style and length of your personal interview is essential for your interview prep.
So, look through your paperwork thoroughly. You never know what you might find that your competition will overlook.
3. Make A Budget For The Competition.
It’s tempting to dive right into shopping once you step inside. However, you should start by establishing a budget for upcoming competitions. Why? Because if you don’t, you’ll definitely go over budget. Plus, if you go overboard, you’ll have to reduce your training time because of lack of funds. Since training is what ultimately determines success, you shouldn’t ever skimp on it.
There are places you can save money in order to afford more lavish investments elsewhere. If you’re frugal, you can still achieve success.
4.Make A Plan For Preparation.
Create a plan for preparation once you have a financial plan in place. Competitors who aim for a state championship usually begin training four to five months in advance. Pageant competitors typically begin training 8-12 weeks prior to a local or festival crowning.
Write down everything you have to do to get ready for the pageant. Then, chunk them into weeks so that you have something to work on each week. Possibly this week you’ll go shopping for an outfit to wear in your opening number. The following week could be spent putting together an outfit for dress rehearsals.
And don’t forget to schedule your weekly workouts! Interview practice should begin between 12 and 16 weeks before the pageant. Four to six weeks before the competition, you should begin practicing your on-stage modelling. If you don’t have a strategy for studying ahead of time, you might end up cramming the night before.
5. Exude Self-Assuredness
Are you sick of hearing, “Just be confident,” or some similar platitude? I mean, it’s not like you can just make yourself confident. You can’t, though. Knowing you have honed your abilities to compete successfully gives you a boost of self-assurance. It’s not something you can “think up” out of thin air.
To some degree, pre-pageant jitters are to be expected and even healthy. That isn’t a confidence problem, though. The only way to perform well in competition when you’re feeling anxious is to put in a lot of time perfecting your performance skills. When you’ve done it enough times in practice, you gain assurance in your abilities.
Competing successfully requires an air of assurance that can only come from preparation and practice.
6. Have Fun With The Process
To the contestants I coach privately, I always stress the following: “If you focus on winning, you will not. Increasing your odds of success by leaps and bounds, practising your abilities while also enjoying yourself.
Why? The judges can tell when you’re consciously or unconsciously tense and focused on winning. Even though they can see your proficiency, nobody thinks you’re having a good time. What’s wrong with you? Likewise, no one supports a contestant who appears unhappy.
Don’t worry about losing, though; just work on improving your skills and having fun in the competition. Then the judges will see a formidable competitor who is approachable, calm under scrutiny, and well-equipped to carry the weight of the crown.
And don’t discount your chances of success because it’s your first time competing. We’ve seen many women entered the competition only six weeks in advance. They were up against a group of formidable veterans in the competition. They won the pageant by implementing Our six suggestions for first-time competitors.
Indeed, you can do it, too!
