Pageant Platform Magazine Jan Feb 2019 pageant platform magazine jan feb | Page 4

2019 - Is it your year to win?
B
eing a Judge on the Pageant circuit has taught me
many things. Its given me valuable insight for
reading people, as I’ve learned a lot about body
language. Its also one of the most difficult positions,
as you can only choose one winner, every time. Many
contestants find the Judges a mystery, especially when
they don’t win. Keep in mind, the Judges decisions are
final in all pageant systems and most travel the circuit,
judge and sit on various panels. So keeping your
opinions to yourself is not only professional, but a
wise decision. We’ve compiled a list of things you
should know about the judging process to help you
further understand what gets factored into their
decision making process.
They have a mixed amount of experience. A standard
Judges panel will consist of a few very seasoned
judges and some that have little to no experience
judging pageants. This helps to balance out the
scoring. You won’t really know the level of experience
each Judge has, however if you are supplied their
biography, take the time to study it. This can help you
when you are in a one on one or panel interview to
know what their likes/dislikes or background is
comprised of.
They each have a different perspective. Every Judge
looks at the Pageant and its contestants differently.
They also have different ideas of what the winner
should be like, typically no two Judges are exactly
alike in what the are looking for in a contestant.
They know when you are not prepared. This is fairly
standard with all Judges. Just like a job interview, they
can tell when you are nervous and when you are not
prepared. Your best defense is a great offense, so make
sure you are working with a coach or practicing your
interview questions and brushing up on current events
right up to the pageant date.
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Pageant Platform Magazine Jan/Feb 2019
A s a seasoned Judge on the Pageant circuit, one thing
I notice about contestants during the interview process
is whether they are investing in themselves or not.
What do I mean by that? I can tell if they are investing
time and effort into becoming a better person by
improving themselves on some level.
Here are a few ideas that seem to help other
contestants keep in check.
If you don't have one, get a hobby. Is there something
you've always wanted to learn? Take a class, start a
garden, volunteer for a local shelter on the weekends.
Spend some of your time on something that interests
you.
Exercise. Keeping yourself healthy is vital, whether
you are in pageantry or not. Keep a routine, treat your
time at the Gym like an appointment you are keeping
with your body.
Always be learning. Keeping your mind and interests
active shows continual self improvement. Learn a new
language, travel to a new location, take note of the
world around you, even if its just down the street.
Kerry Kathleen, Kerry’s Studio