A girl who can speak!

Beauty queens must be articulate and able to hold a conversation.  They need to be knowledgeable of what is going on in the world (be it social or political), they must be witty, able to answer promptly and in a concise manner, appeal to the public, be neutral though still deliver their point... maybe contorting your body into the shape of a pretzel would be an easier feat... no... maybe? Whatever the case, practice is the only way these girls can become eloquent speakers.  As far as controlling onstage nerves are concerned, experience, confidence, and... you guessed it, PRACTICE are the keys to overcoming that.
Here are some tips on how to begin, though public speaking cannot be summed up in just 5 steps:
1. Create a bowl of questions, and have different people ask you them everyday.
2. Read to people out loud, eye contact is key so make sure to look at them as you read.
3. Take classes to mold your skills.  Public speaking would be the obvious choice. I prefer acting classes.
Both will help you learn to project your voice, better your diction, improve eye contact, build your confidence, and gain some nerve.
4. Watch the news, and read the newspaper.
5. Record yourself on a video camera and watch your self speak.  You could speak while staring into a mirror, but you won't pick up on little habits that you may not notice.  Videos always tell the truth.

Public speaking is a part of life, not just pageantry.  So brush up your skills!

Beauty queens success story

Oprah Winfrey, Miss Black American 1972

     As I was writing the title for this post, I thought to myself that it is quite ironic that I incorporate 'beauty queen' and 'success' in a title together (one would think that being a beauty queen would imply success naturally.)  However, after my last post and seeing how beauty queens are not always picture perfect, it's safe to say that the women who do make significant changes in their community deserve recognition.  Now there are many titleholders who really have rolled up their sleeves, and really worked hard for their community.  Famous woman like Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria, Halle Berry and Vanessa Williams (who had her share of scandalous attention as well) were all beauty queens who now enjoy successful careers as well as have a deep hand in their own philanthropies. It's enjoyable to see women who use their titles to propel them forward in their careers.  Take a look at other notable women who have also sported crowns in this Famous Beauty Queen piece featured in NineMSN.com. 

Trainwreck beauty queen coming through

     The media will always emphasize its spot light on public figures, and for purposes of this blog, the media loves to scrutinize when beauty queens "go bad."  One of the most recent controversies was former Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, and racy photos of her in a stripper pole contest surfaced to the public.  Not only was she the first Muslim Miss USA winner... but she was also a party girl! There are numerous stories of pageant queens who have been into pornography, drug and alcohol abuse, and even money laundering.  To see more stories, visit NYDailyNews.com and read up on the Beauty Pageant Scandals. Beauty queens will always be more harshly scrutinized for things that others may get away with with a mere slap on the wrist.  Is that fair?  If you ask me... it is fair. Beauty queens know that becoming a title holder means they must maintain an image.. that is just the name of the game.  If they have dirty laundry following them, they should either do a good job of cleaning it up, own up to it from the beginning, or not compete for a title at all.
Trust me, a head shot is always more flattering than a mug shot:

Kumari Fulbright, Miss Desert Sun 2006

Should little girls do pageants?

Paisley, 3 years old

     It's always cute to see little ones act older.  We fall in love with the glimmer in children's eyes as they dress up and put on a show for their elders... but at what costs do we expend little girls who compete in child beauty pageants for about an hour of dress up and 'modeling'.  Is it really just for the fun of it, to have little girls perform and look pretty (what little girl doesn't like that) and just to make friends?  On TLC's "Toddlers in Tiaras" viewers watch mothers spend fortunes on frilly dresses, spray tans, runway coaches, and the ever important child dentures.  Mothers of these "walking porcelain dolls" say that it is just for the fun of it, and for competing purposes...if their daughters don't want to compete, then they don't have to.  However, Ana Veciana-Suarez condemns the show as well as the mothers who exploit their daughters in her article

Tiny-tot Pageants Amount to Child Abuse. If you ask me 3 years old is way to young of an age to even be near lipstick, but to each their own.  When I was younger I always wanted to be center of attention, dressed in pretty clothing... but I exhibited my talents in different fashions.  What are your thoughts of child beauty pageants?

Fitness competition?

Fun wear competition...!?

Make a girl into a beauty queen.

Disneys, Princess Diaries

     When a girl is transformed into a beauty queen, she must know that she is not only putting on the crown and the sash. She is going to be an ambassador to her community, be an active philanthropist, be a business woman, be a mentor to young girls, be conscious of her appearance and physique, be a likable entity... all while wearing heels.  There is a spot light on everything she does, and a high expectation that she must meet.   Why do girls become beauty queens? Some may say because women love to "bite off more than they can chew." Others may debate that and say that women want to parade around with a tiara on their head.  While I, on the other hand, see why women really become beauty queens.  They want their voices to be heard, they want to be a role model, and they want to further themselves in their careers.  In the above photo, Princess Diaries shows Mia Thermopolis not only go through a physical change but an internal change as well.  This blog will discuss everything a girl needs to know about pageantry... the good and the bad.