So you've been asked to judge a beauty pageant, whether you have been a titleholder for a while or have links to the beauty industry, or rather you are one of the sponsors and have been asked, there are a few etiquettes that you need to follow.
1. You need to know what you are judging and the ethos of the pageant heat you are judging.
Personally I don't think you should be allowed to judge a pageant if you have less than two years experience in the pageant industry, this is just because you then have experience being on the stage, about what it takes to be a pageant queen, and what a pageant is looking for. With most pageants having a direct route to the finals, you need to have at least stepped foot on a stage or been involved behind the scenes otherwise it's unfair on the girls giving you their all. Some pageants are more platform based, others are looking for a more model look so get to know what pageant you are judging, if they have a chosen charity or a certain ethos then when you have the interview, you know who is going to be the best for the job.
2. Give the contestants your undivided attention
The girls who have been preparing for this final for months or even years before they entered their first pageant are only on stage for a matter of minutes to make an impression, so make sure you respect that and give them your attention. When I train girls to compete, I always say to give the judges eye contact, to make them feel like the most important people in the world, so it's only fair you do the same. Leave your social media alone until the break, keep your phone off the table so you are not tempted and remember you can catch up with the other judges after the scoring has been collected. No one wants to see photos of judges taking photos at the table, or talking to each other whilst a contestant is performing. Of course as a judge you cant be looking at them every second as you would never get their scores written down! But make sure the times you are looking up that you at making it count!
3. Prepare in advance
If you have been asked to judge in advance, take this time to have a look at some of the contestants for the pageant on social media. This way you can see if there is anything you don't agree with (like underage drinking photos!) but also see some of the amazing work that they are doing. Since some pageant interviews are only up to 5 minutes max, its nice to know a little background. This also gives you a chance to talk to the directors about what the pageant is about and what they are looking for. Also have a look at the current queens and what they have been up to, you want to help chose the best representative for that pageant as that is their livelihood, rather than just another appearance point to you.
4. Dress the part
Whether it's a regional heat or a national final, you are a VIP and need to dress the part, even if the event is in a hall, pub or hotel! Turning up in jeans and a top to judge is not acceptable! If it is a day event, a nice knee length skirt or smart trousers and top with heels works great, remember you might be in these crowning photos! If it's evening, its a chance to get out the evening gown! But make it practical! You need to be able to sit down as that is where you will be most of the night/day! Also make sure it's not too revealing, wear the outfit beforehand! I've been there before where a dress looks perfect online then its too lowcut or when you sit down the spilt comes up the leg!!
5. Be Respectful
At the event, don't spend all your time on break on your phone away from everyone, this is your chance to mingle! Of course in some pageants the judges will be kept away from the public, but if you are allowed, go and see the pageant world! This is where you can find out about other pageant queens, you can talk to the contestants, some may ask for feedback which is where I would reply that you would talk after the pageant just because you want to make sure you word it right. If you are a titleholder, people are going to want to get a photo with you! Just remember that the directors chose you for a reason so be respectful on the night and social media afterwards.
Overall enjoy yourself! It's nice to be on the other side of the stage, but if you want to return again, remember that people are watching!!
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