How many of you have competed in a pageant?

Originally posted by DeltaBetaBaby
Hootie...to answer your question, not yet, but I have been too busy at work to make calls during normal hours...Thanks for all your help, and here is my next round of ??? for all the pageant-savvy out there:

1. Everyone sings as a talent. How do I make myself stand out? How do judges feel about an original song? Have you ever seen anyone be successful with a non-musical talent (dramatic reading or something)?

You can't really compare one kind of talent with another. Judges look for technical skill, stage presence, and the quality of what you perform. You can be a highly trained vocalist, but if you don't give give the judges the feeling that you truly love what you're doing on stage, they can see that. I've never seen success with dramatic readings in pageants, but I know that it was because of the contestant...not the talent itself.

2. Everyone in Illinois has to have a platform related to violence prevention this year. I think I am going to go with domestic violence. How do I make my platform unique when every woman is probably choosing the same thing? How much of the interview is about the platform, and how much is about other stuff? What is the other stuff?

Anyone can have a platform, the other stuff they're looking for is how well you communicate that platform to the judges.

3. I was planning on a sporty swimsuit; should I go sexy instead?

The swimsuit portion of the pageant showcases your physical fitness, posture, and beauty. These should show off your confidence, not sex appeal. Some judges look for those who are in the best physical condition. I don't know of any judges who give high marks for the Barbie doll/fashion model factor.

4. My interview suit is very conservative--black and modest. Is this the norm, or do girls go with more high-style evening-type suits?

The pageant directors I know encourage modesty. The tell their girls to stay away from the stylish flashy clothes because the focus of the interview is the interview itself, not the clothes.

5. The score breaks down into interview, talent, swimsuit, eveningwear and poise. What is poise? Are they judging me during the production numbers?

Judges don't judge you on the mass numbers. The category of "evening wear" is a misnomer in itself because judges don't judge you on what gown you choose. Poise is the self-confidence you show while you're in the spotlight, your grace, and the way you carry yourself. Because they're looking for someone who will ultimately represent your state and America, they want someone who can keep cool and confident while under the media spotlight.

I hope I've helped at least a little. I don't know how it is with other preliminary pageants, but what I've listed above are based on my experiences with the Miss Leeward/Miss West Oahu/Miss Honolulu Pageants -- the home of Miss America 2001.