Your Pageant begins long before the Parade of Contestants. Although the judges’ opinion are the only ones that matter, you are constantly being judged. Don’t run away just yet. Every time you step into a room is a fresh new opportunity to impress, win over new friends, and get closer to the desired title. Use every opportunity to practice and polish for the big night. Lighting up a room can be fun and easy! Follow these tips below to learn how to sparkle!

1- Prep Before You Step
Before you can dazzle anyone with your beauty and quick wit, you must first know something about the world around you. Don’t find yourself at any event not being caught up on current events. There’s no need to be a political buff or a entertainment guru. By reading a few well blended sites like CNN.com, HufffingtonPost.com, and a local newspaper site, you can be ready to speak intelligently on topics that matter to you, any audience, and your judges. This helps to avoids awkward situation like trying to find the fair city of LikeSuchAs on a map.

2 – You OWN This
Literally! While at your pageant or practice keep in mind that people have come to see YOU! That’s right! All of your pageant supporters have come to see a crowning and you are the girl for the job. Look the part from day one. Don’t wait for the crown to be placed on your head before you begin the job. It will be a much easier task if you visualize that crown along with your win. Take ownership. If you don’t, someone else will.

3 – Slow Motion
This one is fun! As soon as you enter, take a few slow steps and come to a complete stop as to make an announcement. All eyes will be on you. Why not? Give your competitors a chance to take a mental picture of the next Queen. When you get really good, you should be able to stop people mid-sentence. A queen commands attention with her every move. She is magnetic and interesting. Practice making a grand entrance with your friends.

Pageantry is partly a mind game. Many would-be Queens are beat before the stage. They are intimated and talk themselves out of what should be their night. Don’t let that be you. No one likes a Shrinking Violet. Take ownership of YOUR win on YOUR night! You don’t have to wait for anyone permission to do so. There will be no needs for lights because you are there to sparkle!

This article was written by Kristen Darden, a pageant coach out of Tennessee. To contact Kristen for a consultation, email Kristen.Darden@gmail.com

This post was submitted by Kristen Darden.