Introductions

Jr. Teen Contestant Taylor Hanson in

Interview attire.

Teen Contestant Amanda Jordan Hoy

Public speaking is the number one fear above spiders, snakes, you name it. Having the courage just to be on stage giving an introduction is an accomplishment in its own.

One of the benefits of competing is being able to overcome this fear, and given the opportunity to practice just makes it that much better.

At your state pageant, all you have to do is have an introduction ready and memorized, and at rehearsal you will have a chance to practice it, while at the workshop you will learn how to deliver it.

The biggest mistake girls make is stressing out on what to say, what matters really is how you say it. You can have the greatest, catchiest introduction but if your delivering it with a frown or no enthusiasm or any voice fluctuation it is not going to stick out.

What makes you want to pick up a magazine or a movie? Something catches your attention, you can do that same thing with your introduction!

It is your chance to show the judges that you are confident enough to speak to a crowd, because as Miss Missouri American Coed you will have many opportunities to take part in events, represent MO at the national pageant, be at parades (and in them), and interact with many different people all involving social skills, and speech proficiency.

Help is all around you, practice with friends, family members, and even the directors. Before you know it, not only will you feel like a pro, but you will sound like one too!

Workshop FUN!

Before the Queens go off to Nationals the directors hold a workshop to prep the girls, and answer any questions or concerns the ladies may have.

Everything is covered. Everything is practiced.

There is nothing more important than to feel like your going to set your best foot forward when competing.

Practice, practice, practice. It makes a world of difference, know your introduction by heart so there is NO way you can forget it. Practice holding a microphone properly, watch your facial expressions, and your voice fluctuations. You want to make sure you smile while you talk, so its heard in your voice, and make sure you talk at a good pace while staying at the 20 second time limit. If you can record yourself, do so because you are your own best judge!

During interview, be yourself. Do not try to say what you think the judges want to hear, say what you really feel. Think about it, they are interviewing ALL the girls, do you think they want to hear the same boring answer over and over again? No. Be yourself. Now with that said it is important to practice interview questions too, because this helps your brain start flowing and its easier for you to think fast and deliver within the given time frame with each judge. The whole point of interview is so the judges can get to know you. If they ask whats your favorite color is, don't just say blue.. say why your favorite color is blue.. and what it reminds you of .. etc.

Be prepared for questions like :

Why do you want to be Miss American Coed?

Tell me a Joke. (Not a question but have heard this one multiple times)

What sets you apart from the rest of the girls competing?

Tell me about your hometown, where would we go, what would we do?

The interview is really relaxed and the judges are really nice, don't let the idea of interview overwhelm you or scare you. It is all about you, and YOU know best about you. :)

Some tips for interview

1. Don't shake Judges hand unless they reach their hand out to you

2. Sit properly at the edge of your chair with your ankles crossed with your hands resting on your lap

3.Stay away from Umm .. or take too long to answer (You only have a minute or so with each judge.. so dont try to give the perfect answer and waste your interview time) Say the first thing that comes to mind and stick with it.

Perfect example: Once asked, If you could make a commercial about anything what would it be and why?

The first thing that popped in my head was watermelon, so I went with it. I said watermelon, because now a days when you turn on the tv there is a lot of time spent advertising unhealthy foods like candy, and fastfood etc.. and if we spent time advertising healthy but tasty things as well it would help us rethink and make healthier choices that benefit our overall health.

What I thought at that point after all that came out of my mouth was wow, im glad I trusted my own instinct. Trust yours, and you will do great!

Last but not least for evening wear, take your time follow the dress guidelines never clench on or grab your dress, just go slow, look at the judges, and smile like you mean it!