What She REALLY Needs to Win a Pageant

Caroline's crowning moment as Miss Missouri Princess

It's not her gown. It's not her hair, make-up, or anything aesthetic. It's not a perfectly crafted personal introduction. It's not how gracefully she walks in formal wear. It's her PLATFORM.

NAM Cover Girl Elizabeth promoting her platform

A platform is a cause or project that the contestant volunteers her time and effort to by bringing awareness, raising money, doing service work, or some other similar activity. Like I wrote about in another article, in any natural pageant system, judges are looking for a contestant who is service oriented, who is trying to make a difference in her community, who is thinking of others more than herself.

Shelby serves with her project: Angels Giving Back by Shelby


So now the question becomes, "How will the judges know what she's doing in the community when they ask what her favorite color and foods are?" The answer is simple. The contestant has to brand herself as a service oriented person not only in the interview, but through every phase of competition, especially in older age divisions. This is where pageant coaching comes in. A good pageant coach will not simply write an outstanding introduction or tell the contestant how to act in interview, but he/she will ensure the contestant knows HOW to brand herself throughout the entire competition, making her memorable, making her stand out from the crowd, and getting closer to the crown than she's ever been before.

Caroline serving her local fire department

Can a knockout intro speech and a flawless wardrobe get her closer to the crown? Of course. But first thing's first. If your goal is to be successful in your next pageant, don't start with the gown, the intro, or her headshot. Focus on the inner qualities that make her beautiful. Serving others, standing up for a cause, being involved in her school or community. Get her involved in a project, or help her create one of her own! Then put it all together to create that 'total package' she needs that will send her scores through the roof.

Jada pauses for a pose while delivering Care Bears to a local hospital

Envision your reign

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