Pageant Platform Magazine Jan Feb 2019 pageant platform magazine jan feb | Page 10

Acing the Interview
G
etting yourself ready for the interview portion of
the pageant is probably the most important part
of your preparation. Not only does the interview
account for most points (in most pageants) its the one
time Judges really get to see you, based on your
answers. Don’t take this lightly.
Your best line of defense, is preparation. The time you
invest in practicing interview questions should be
spent, alone, in front of a mirror so you can your body
language as you answer and eventually with a timer.
First, get your message down, don’t keep track of time,
write down your answer so you are clear on it. Then,
time yourself, make sure you are sticking to the
allotted time frame. Asking others for help should be
used with caution. Sometimes, people have well
meaning but your answer could very easily turn into
their answer.
Just like a job interview, Judges can tell when you are
nervous and when you are not prepared. 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.
There is no time like the present to get used to being
interviewed and I am not referring to the Judges
interview during your pageant. I am talking about
getting interviewed by the media. This is a different
type of interview and the sooner you can start
grooming yourself for this type of attention the better.
I always advise getting started with a podcast or
radio interview, get your message perfected first,
then start looking at local news coverage or internet
TV shows. Most contestants ask me what they
should talk about or pitch to a host, the answer is
simple, talk about something you consider yourself
to be an expert on and your passionate about. Your
Platform should be coming to mind, as this is
something you are passionate about, which makes it
easier to come up with content.
10
Pageant Platform Magazine Jan/Feb 2019