Judging Criteria

Talent (35%)

The talent competition allows the contestant to showcase her performance skill. The time limit for the talent presentation is two minutes and must be performed live. Past talents have included singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, reciting a comedy or dramatic reading, displaying fashion design, or art, baton, gymnastics, etc. Judges will look for interpretive ability, technical skill, entertainment value, stage presence and the integration of elements (costume, choreography, music and/or props).

Evening Wear (20%)

The evening wear phase of competition is designed for the judge to assess the contestant's beauty, poise, grace, and commanding stage presence "across the footlights." Criteria for scoring are beauty, sense of confidence, personality and stage presence, walk, carriage and grace, sense of style and appropriateness of the evening wear. Does she take command of the stage by simply walking onto it? The evening wear (not the value of it) should complement the contestant's individuality.

Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit (15%)

The lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit competition is designed to see how well the contestant maintains a lifestyle of good physical health and fitness, physical beauty, sense of confidence and composure, and display of drive, energy, and charisma. A contestant may choose a one or two piece swimsuit with rules
applying to coverage.

Private Interview (25%)

During the private interview competition, the panel of judges has the opportunity to learn about the contestant, her educational goals, and commitment to advance her platform. In this phase each contestant meets privately with the judges during a twelve minute interview. The criteria for scoring is overall "first impression," exceptional communication skills with a commanding presence, personality, personal appearance and beauty, validated opinions and responses, ability to fulfill the job responsibilities, sense of accomplishment, and knowledge and understanding of platform issue.

There are various types of questions that the judges’ panel may ask a contestant. Many contestants go into the interview without really knowing themselves or their own opinions. They should do much soul searching and be able to communicate their opinions. Contestants should also “hear” the questions and understand what a judge is really asking.

The judges are not trying to “trip up” the contestants, but rather are trying to do their job of asking intelligent, meaningful questions which make it possible for each young woman to be involved in the best interview possible. They are also trying to find the young woman who is most ready to go onto the next level of competition.

The judges want to see the “real” person, not a “beauty queen personality” trying to say what one may think the judges want to hear. They also don’t want a “programmed” queen. Contestants should talk about things which are important to them, state their opinions, and express their ideas. Contestants need to answer the question that is asked, don’t ramble on, and give answers that help the judges learn who they are and what they think.

Contestants must make good eye contact, and answer a question to the judge who asked it. However, the contestant needs to include the entire panel in the process of giving the answers.

Some questions may seem silly. How is it handled? That may be exactly what the judges are looking for rather than a certain answer.

Contestants should try to keep up on the daily news, try to recognize the names of people in the news, and visit with their parents, the mayor, news people, civic leaders, etc. to learn points of view on various social and governmental topics, and, thus, form opinions on the pressing issues of today.

Current events and history are continually changing daily, monthly, and yearly. Therefore, it serves little purpose to list a series of questions on current events. What is important is that contestants stay current on important events – be aware.

On-stage Question(s) (5%)

The on-stage interview phase of competition is designed for the contestant to make an on-stage statement of her interests, opinion, and aspirations. One or two questions may be asked and judges may only consider the answer(s) to the question(s). Contestants are judged on overall "first impression," charisma, and stage presence to be a spokesperson. Special attention is given to whether or not the question was answered in context and in the time allotted. Did the contestant answer the question, and did she have the commanding presence to make the audience want to listen to her?