We are a society who loves to watch the television. We watch to be entertained, inspired, educated and escape from the daily routine of our life. Maybe that’s why pageants and TV are a natural fit for each other.

With all the filming effects, camera angles, and editing, television can make events and people smaller or bigger than life. I totally understand contestants’ and parents’ apprehension when they first find out the pageant they are competing in is being filmed for television. After all, most of what the media focuses on is the isolated, over the top situation. It’s not representational of the pageant world as a whole.

There are a few keys points to keep in mind when the TV crew is around. They are going to follow and focus on events and contestants who will draw people into watching the show. The network doesn’t care about who wins the pageant. Their focus is to give their demographic audience a show worth watching.

If it’s drama they want, they will seek out the “drama queen.” If it is to inspire, they will find the person with the most compelling story. The television network has their focus, and the pageant system has theirs. The two are separate worlds.

So don’t think because the cameras, or the media, are following one contestant that she is the choice of the judges and going to win the pageant. Do not let the presence of the camera crew play with your head. Most of the time, the winner is completely off the media’s radar screen.

Always be yourself. If you start thinking you have to act a certain way or say certain things, you’re flirting with disaster. Stay focused on who you are, your message and show them the class act lady you are. It’s what you say and do when no one is watching that reveals your true character.

Hopefully, the camera will be filming at that moment, and finally the world can see the truth about what draws people to the pageant stage. It’s achievement, friendship, self expression, service to others, personal growth, and opportunity all wrapped up and topped with a pretty crown. The crown is just the bow to the meaningful gift wrapped underneath.

Be the change you want to see happen in the way pageants are portrayed on television. It starts one contestant at a time.

 

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). An $89 value when purchased separately.

Only 3 left!

Receive my 60 minute training DVD Take The Stage, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H). Individually, these items cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• American Royal Beauties,
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.

Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.

As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:</ p>

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H)

Only 3 left

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 23 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the board of two non-profit organizations. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

A common pageant tradition at some state, national, and international competitions is for the contestants to exchange “friendship” gifts among themselves. Check with your director first to see if this done in the system you are competing.

Don’t stress out or spend a lot of time and money on the exchange gifts. For economy budgeting, allocate $1 per contestant. There are usually between 50-100 people, so about $100. In addition to the gift, you will need a business card, postcard, or sticker with your name, state, title and message printed on it to attach to each gift. You can either print these at home, or some contestants use Vista print to create business cards and postcards with their crowning photo or headshot on it. It’s up to you.

The purpose of the gift exchange is to provide a small token of best wishes to the contestants. It is so much fun to go through your goody bag in your room. I always felt like I was looking through my Christmas stocking on Christmas morning. Having gone through many of these exchanges over the years, here are some of my thoughts and suggestions.

Not only do you need to transport these gifts to the pageant, people have to transport them home. If you and many contestants are flying, this can be problematic. When selecting your gifts, think consumable, small, lightweight, and something you wouldn’t be offended by if it is thrown in the trash immediately upon receiving. Or you can wait until to get to your finally destination, buy a couple cases of bottled water, and attach your business cards there. Bottled water is consumable, highly appreciated by the families, and it’ll be used. That’s why food items are the most popular choice.
Here is list of other practical ideas:

• Book markers
• Pencils, pens, or erasers
• Fingernail files
• Box of crayons
• Blank thank you and note cards
• Small notebooks
• Individually wrapped cookies, candies, Pixie Sticks, Tic Tacs,
• Tubes of lip balm (lip smackers or Avon)
• Small individual bags/boxes of chips, cereal, goldfish crackers, microwave popcorn
• Votive candles
• Packs of flower seeds

 

My daughters and I have also received some very creative gifts over the years such as custom t-shirts, scrapbooks, jewelry, tote bags, stuffed toys, mirrors, cosmetics, Bath and Body Works items, socks, umbrellas, and picture frames.
Avoid gifts that are fragile, sensitive to temperate changes, and difficult to pack. Have fun bargain shopping at the craft stores and enjoy yourself at your next pageant.

Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

Special for the Pageant Princess or Queen in your life for $59 (+$12 S&H). An $89 value when purchased separately.

Only 5 left!

Receive my 60 minute training DVD Take The Stage, the Pageant Planner and a set of 12 interview cards for $59 (+$12 S&H). Individually, these items cost $89.

This is an affordable training kit for the pageant princess or queen in your life.

WTP Take The Stage Training DVD

The Winning Through Pageantry Take The Stage™ training DVD is a must have training tool for natural beauty pageants. The depth of information shared in this video will further polish your on stage presence.

Remember, the judges cast their final vote when you are on stage in your evening gown. Your overall stage presence and appearance will determine your final placement.

In this 60-minute DVD, you will learn:

• proper posture and alignment,
• foot positioning,
• timing of your turns,
• multiple walking patterns,
• stage presence,
• microphone etiquette,
• Numerous tips as Rhonda demonstrates all of these techniques.

The modeling style taught in this video will work for those contestants competing in the following natural pageant systems:

• Miss American Coed (MAC),
• National American Miss (NaMiss),
• Miss America,
• America's Outstanding Teen,
• Miss Teen USA,
• Miss USA,
• Mrs. America,
• Mrs. United States,
• Teen, Miss and Mrs. International,
• America's National Teenager (Antso),
• American Royal Beauties,
• Any of the numerous systems that follow the standards of a natural pageant.

Contestants who are brand new to pageantry or have done a couple pageants in the past; and those who do not have pageant preparation resources close to them will benefit most from this DVD. Even if you feel confident in your modeling skills, the numerous tips shared in this DVD will take your onstage presence to the next level.
Please allow up to 14 days to receive your DVD. This is being shipped from a separate vendor. The DVD is readable in all countries around the world but should you receive a defective DVD, a replacement one will be sent.

The WTP Pageant Planner

The Winning Through Pageantry Pageant Planner from Holdon contains organizational pages for logging and tracking 100 pageant related events. Each form records Event Details, Contact Info, Event Expenses, and Post-Event Info. There is also an Income Management Section to record payment details.
Now logging & tracking your pageant-related event details is easy!

• High-quality product
• 8.5" x 11"
• Finished coil-bound spine
• Vinyl front and back covers for durability

What's Inside...
Contact Page

• Your contact information
• Important pageant contacts (i.e. - coach, director, salon, etc.)
• Other contact information

Live Performance Forms

• Logging & tracking forms to track up to 100 pageant-related events (i.e. - consultations, media events, autograph signings, etc.)
• Log event requirements (i.e. - crown & banner, opening number wardrobe, script, etc.)
• Record all of your event expenses and mileage for tax purposes
• Post Event area (i.e. - what you wore, who you met, guests, etc.)

Income & Reimbursement Management
Record income & reimbursement details (Pageant/Event Name, Event Date, Payment, etc.)

Pageant Target List
Target Pageants, know special requirements, competition, categories, entry fees, etc.

Pageant Contacts
A section dedicated to Pageant Industry professionals you wish to keep in contact with

Notes Section

• Keep your notes handy and accessible
• Add any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

Calendar Section

• 12-month, day-by-day, fill-in calendar section (non-time sensitive, fill-in as you go)
• 24-month quick-view calendar section

Storage Pockets

• Promo Material Pocket to hold self-promotional material that you can pass around (i.e. - promo postcards, headshots, flyers, etc.)
• Notes Pocket to store any speeches, top-5 question notes, etc.

The WTP Interview Card Set

What kind of questions will the judges ask me in interview?
What if I don't have an answer?

The ability to answer questions about you, your family, platform, goals, community and pop culture in a clear way is an important life skill. The more practice you have in conversing with people, the better your speaking skills will become.

Over 1000 contestants from ages 7 to 80 around the world have used these cards and reported back to me that they were confident and prepared for their pageant interview. Many of my clients receive the highest interview scores.

As a contestant and judge, these are real questions that I have asked, been asked, or heard other judges ask in the interview room. I know they are effective and relevant because my clients and pageant family on Facebook have told me several times that they have experienced other pageant coaches and judges using my cards. By the way, I take this as a compliment, not a threat :).
Outstanding features of this 12 card set includes:</ p>

• Over 200 questions covering 12 diverse subjects. Each card has questions dedicated to one topic. For example, there are 56 questions on the "favorites" card.
• The back side is blank so you can jot down your ideas for answers.
• Being the size of a recipe card, they are easy to carry and you can practice anywhere.
  The DVD will arrive separately from the planner and the interview cards. With the holiday mail delivery, please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

$89 $59 (+$12 S&H)

Only 5 left

 

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

Today, December 6th, is the Feast of St. Nicholas. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus.

The obvious recipients of our gift giving efforts this month are our children, family and friends. But why stop there?

As a family, go serve a meal at a soup kitchen. If your children have never been to a nursing home, make some homemade cards and cookies and go visit the elderly who wait for people to come visit them. Better yet, if your family is musically inclined work up some Christmas carols and sing for them. There are veterans in hospitals who would love nothing more than to see a friendly warm smile enter the room.

Here’s a radical suggestion. Instead of multiple gifts under the tree for each family member, buy one gift for each person (or set a price limit) and use the money you would have spent to buy food and gifts for people who have very little this season. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grow.”

If you are a titleholder, there are numerous opportunities for you to give of your time and talents to reach out to people in your community. When the public sees queens being of service, those actions are what begin to break down the myths of pageant girls being superficial. Crown or no crown. Get involved and be the “secret Santa” in your community. By the way, the word Santa comes from the Latin word Sanctus which means saintly or holy.

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas Day. Embrace the joy of giving and I leave you with a sweet little poem.

Santa's Christmas Prayer
By Warren D. Jennings

The sleigh was packed,
the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
by the side of the bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed
"Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do
and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh
and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household
before the first light,
I'll cover the world
and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
of each little hoof.

To get in the house
is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
of each little heart.

My sack will hold toys
to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless
like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings
and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie
that's left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord,
only through You,
I just need your blessing,
then it's easy to do.

All this is to honor
the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us,
Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends,
lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them,
who gave me this job."

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.
The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).
She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.
She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.
Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music. For more information on Rhonda, visit www.WinningThroughPageantry.com.

 

As a titleholder, you will participate in many parades. Here are a few survival skills I have picked up over the years that will help make it as enjoyable as possible.

• Contact the organizers weeks to months ahead of the event.  Every parade has different rules as to who may participate and the type of vehicle that may be driven through the parade route. Assume nothing. Always ask questions for clarification. Some parades have very strict rules about NOT handing anything out along the parade route or throwing things from your vehicle.

• Have cling signs with your name and title made shortly after your crowning. Never use any type of tape on your car, not even one time. It’ll ruin the paint. Posters written with markers will run and make a mess in the rain. Magnetic signs are great IF you have a car that has enough steel in it for the signs to stick. The cling ones, for about $20, are the best option. They safely go on the side of any vehicle without damage and are reusable. A good size for your sign is 9” x 24”. Anything smaller than this size people won’t be able to read.

• Arrive hours before the actual parade time. Traffic, parking your car and finding your float or vehicle will consume most of your time. If it’s just you, not a court of people, it is best to meet your driver at a location and ride to the parade route together. There is nothing more frustrating that trying to find people in a sea of thousands.

• Print out maps, instructions, directions, contact information and anything else you will need for the parade. Don’t depend on your cell phone. You may not get a signal. I always bring a set of Motorola walkie talkies in addition to our cell phones.

• Dress in layers, bring umbrellas, gloves, earmuffs, camera, business cards, pageant brochures, flashlights, foot warmers, hand warmers, sunglasses, cash, bottled water, lap blanket, cream colored bathroom rug (it has the grip stuff on the bottom so you won’t slid off the hood of your car) a portable chair, snacks, hand wipes, small packet of tissues (for when the port potties run out )and know where your car keys are at all times.

• Don’t wear your expense gowns and shoes outside. Keep in mind you will be outside with the sun, wind, rain, and snow for several hours. Floats and cars are dirty and get hot. I always had parade attire aka clothes and shoes I wouldn’t cry about if they got ruined by the elements; and inside appearance clothes. Same thing goes for jewelry or any other accessory you might bring with you.

• Request my free special report, 10 Insider Secrets to Winning, and receive my free award winning newsletter weekly. Just click here to GET YOUR FREE REPORT.Then fill out your name and email address in the boxes.

---

INTERVIEW CARD

The ability to answer questions about you, your purpose, current events, and controversial topics in a clear way is an important life skill. The more you practice, the better you will get. This handy interview card is a great way to practice with a partner or to use by yourself.

The Beginning 10 Questions are the staple interview questions everyone must know the answers in an interview. Now preparing for your interview is easy and for a limited time FREE.

 

Rhonda Shappert is an expert pageant coach, an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

She created Winning Through Pageantry® to partner with pageant contestants and their support people to provide complete pageant preparation, achieve winning results in life through pageantry, and to Succeed From The Inside Out®.

She has over 30 years experience in the pageantry world as a contestant, judge, emcee, staff member, mother of daughters who compete, Mrs. Ohio America 2005, and has held multiple titles at the local, state and national levels.

Rhonda graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Musical Theater from The Ohio State University and has performed on stage in 15 countries on the Asian, European and American continents. This mother of three home educates their children and has been married 22 years to her husband Stephen, is the former mayor of her community, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Virtual Academy. She and her husband perform original contemporary Christian music.  For more information on Rhonda, visit  www.WinningThroughPageantry.com .