Preparation Information

Changes to Interview Competition for 2008

It is the opinion of the Miss America Organization that all contestants be judged on the local level in every state by the same standards. Changes have been made to the interview competition on the local, state and national levels.

The contestant enters the room and the judge

designated to ask the first questions begins

the interview.
A podium will be used for all interviews
The personal interview begins immediately once the contestant steps to the podium.
The interview time is a total of 9 minutes and 30 seconds, then she has 30 seconds to close her interview session.
If the closing statement is less than 30 seconds, the interview ends at that time.

The contestants’ opening statement was often memorized, staged and stiff. If a contestant fumbled or forgot a few words, then it would set a negative tone for the remainder of her interview. The judges will now see how a contestant handles herself in the setting of rapid fire questions similar to a press conference.

Selecting Your Best Gown …

Beaded – Velvet

Strapless – Halter

… Decisions Decisions…

A quote from Gregory Ellenberg,

“If the dress does not look good on the hanger,
then it probably looks good on your body.

The Only Rule: - Know your body type and fit it perfectly!

The fit of your gown is the key element to your overall gown competition score. If your gown does not fit properly, the judges do not score you highly no matter how confident and beautiful you look in it. Gowns that are too tight pull across the hips creating ripples. Be careful of satin fabrics that are too shiny under lights and also seams that pucker.

Repeat: Know your body type!

Body types are:

Hourglass – Larger chest, wider hips and small waist, you can wear most any style of gown. Try an A-line gown with a dropped waist to show-off your figure. The sweetheart and strapless necklines flatter your bustline. Stay away from empire waist gowns.
Short Waist - If you are short between your ribs and hips, create an illiusion of length by wearing a fitted bodice that gradually flows into a full skirt. Avoid sheaths - they make you look shorter.
Large Bust – If you are well-endowed on top, the sweetheart neckline is perfect for you. If you have nice shoulders and excellent posture, wear a strapless gown. Halter tops are good, drawing the visual eye up to your face.
Pear Shape – Small on top and heavier bottom, try a Basque waist or strapless gown. Both cover your bottom and focus on your upper body. Do not wear sheaths and V-necks, which draw attention to your bottom.
Thin – Wear a gown that makes you look stunning. The sheath is made for you. If you have a bony collar-bone, do not wear halters, ever.
Petite – Keep your gown simple. A sheath or A-line flatters you. Stay away from the big gowns. If the skirt is full, you get lost in the fluff.

Current trends lean toward the black velvet gowns with accents. Also the chiffon skirts because they flow with movement which looks stunning on stage. Most ladies prefer some beading and the nude, netted bodices are popular if done in good taste.

Don’t let anyone talk you into a gown that you do not absolutely love. If you visualize yourself winning in a particular gown, then it is the right gown for you. If you can’t, don’t buy it.

Be open-minded when shopping and not go with a pre-conceived notion that you want to copy someone else’s style or gown. It just may not be right for your body type. Keep in mind that you do not need to spend a fortune on a competition gown.