The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant

Ashley Williams Allen
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Welcome to The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant with Ashley Williams Allen! As Miss South Carolina USA 2002 and a seasoned pageant judge, I know firsthand what it takes to captivate judges and make a memorable impression on stage. With over 20 years of experience as a film and television producer, I’m here to help you unlock the secrets to capturing that elusive ‘it factor.’ In each episode, we dive deep into essential strategies and insider tips for pageant success. From crafting a standout pageant application and choosing the perfect headshot to acing your interview and perfecting your stage presence for evening gown and fitness competitions, this podcast covers it all. We also feature exclusive insights from industry insiders—judges, winners, photographers, and coaches—who will share their expertise and advice. Whether you're searching for “how to win a pageant” or seeking guidance from a top “pageant coach,” The Pageant Master Class is your ultimate resource for transforming your pageant journey. Subscribe now and get ready to shine!

  1. SEP 1

    What to Do When You Don’t Win

    If you’ve ever walked off stage wondering why her and not me, this episode is your lifeline. In this honest, no-fluff conversation, Pageant Masterclass host Ashley Williams Allen sits down with former Miss South Carolina Jada Samuel—who lost four times before finally winning the crown. Jada shares why her biggest mistake at Miss America wasn’t on stage—it was in her head. And it’s the same mindset trap most contestants fall into without realizing it. In this episode Jada and Ashley will give their expert advice on every aspect of pageantry - from your pageant application to nailing your on-stage question. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Pageantry and Mindset Mastery 00:51 The Importance of Authenticity in Pageantry 03:09 Choosing a Meaningful Platform or CSI 07:20 The Role of Community Service in Personal Growth 08:43 Crafting an Authentic Application 11:39 The Art of Interviewing 13:33 The Pressure of Competing at Miss America 22:03 Mastering Mock Interviews 24:06 The Truth about Fitness and Swimsuit 30:42 Finding and Perfecting Your Talent 36:23 Navigating On-Stage Questions 40:59 The Power of Evening Gown Presentation 47:22 Position to Win: Beyond the Crown Connect with Ashley 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepageantmasterclass How to connect with Jada : 🖥 Website: www.positionedtowin.co 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positionedtowin ⏰ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positionedtowin 📆 Book a session here: https://www.positionedtowin.co/coaching 📚 Buy the Devotional: https://www.positionedtowin.co/devotional

    58 min

  2. JUN 20

    Why Pageant Week Is Where It’s Won (or Lost)

    It’s pageant week—are you mentally prepared to win? In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, Ashley Williams Allen (Miss South Carolina USA 2002, veteran judge, and pageant coach) shares exactly how to keep a winner’s mindset when the pressure is at its highest. Whether you're competing in Miss America, Miss USA, National American Miss, Miss High School America, Galaxy Pageants, Miss Teen Canada, or the State Miss American Coed Pageants, these expert tips will help you avoid the biggest mental traps that cost contestants the crown. You’ll learn how to: Stop comparing yourself to other contestantsStay confident in high-pressure environmentsReframe negative thoughts and reduce pageant anxietyShow kindness and leadership that judges can seeUse gratitude, nutrition, and preparation to stay sharp all weekThis is your ultimate mindset game plan for pageant success. Don’t let self-doubt sabotage months of hard work—tune in and get mentally crowned before finals night.

    11 min

  3. JUN 8

    Mastering Politics in Your Pageant Interview

    Do political questions make you panic during your pageant prep? You’re not alone—and this episode of The Pageant Masterclass is here to help. Host Ashley Williams Allen (Miss South Carolina USA 2002, pageant judge, and coach) breaks down exactly how to tackle hot-button political questions with poise, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re competing in Miss USA, Miss America, National American Miss, Miss Volunteer America, Miss Collegiate America, or another pageant system, this episode walks you through real political interview questions—from abortion and immigration to Elon Musk, Ukraine, Gaza, and more. Plus, you’ll learn: ✅ How to learn pageant media interview tips that impress judges ✅ What judges are really looking for when they ask political questions ✅ How to sound informed without having a political science degree ✅ What to say when you don’t know the answer ✅ How to tie tough topics back to your platform or personal story ✅ Why being gracious and well-spoken makes you stand out as a queen You'll get real pageant practice questions about politics—plus a downloadable PDF (below) so you can rehearse with your truth squad.. Whether you're competing for your state title or gearing up for nationals, this is the pageant interview coaching session you didn’t know you needed. It’s time to turn your fear into confidence and your voice into your superpower. If you're ready to slay your interview and show the judges you're informed, articulate, and ready to lead—this is the episode for you. 🎧 Grab your notebook. Hit pause after each question. Practice your answers. You’ve got this. 👑 For 1:1 coaching with Ashley, visit pageantmasterclass.com 📥 Download the PDF of political interview questions 🎙 Recommended daily news podcasts to stay informed Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar Unbiased Politics with Jordan Berman The Briefing with Jen Psaki The Charlie Kirk Show

    13 min

  4. MAY 24

    Last-Minute Pageant Prep: Mastering Your Mindset and Interview Skills

    🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode 📽️ Jennifer Lawrence’s Iconic Oscar Fall (Watch the clip) See how imperfection became endearing — and a winning moment. 👉 Watch on YouTube 📅 Book a Private Pageant Coaching Session with Ashley Need help crafting your opening statement, refining your interview, or finding your winning mindset? 👉 Fill out the form here 🎙️ EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, host Ashley Williams Allen gives you the ultimate last-minute pageant prepplan to help you walk into competition week with confidence, clarity, and queen energy. From interview skills to mindset mastery, this is your go-to guide to make the most of the final days before the crown. You’ll get free pageant tips, a proven pageant interview game plan, and a reminder that the most powerful transformation happens on the inside. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned titleholder, this episode is packed with pageant self-improvement strategies straight from a trusted pageant insider. 👑 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome + Pageant Prep Mindset 01:10 – Last-Minute Interview Prep: What you should be doing daily 03:40 – Writing Your Opening Statement: Make it personal, not perfect 06:30 – Talking About Your Community Service Initiative: Connect your “why” with your “what” 09:25 – The #1 Key to Winning: Mindset is everything 11:00 – Limiting Beliefs: Why they sabotage your performance 14:00 – Encouragement: You are the queen – now act like it 💫 ✨ If you’re prepping for pageant week, this is your pep talk, your strategy session, and your heart check — all in one. #PageantPrep #PageantInterviewGamePlan #PageantSelfImprovement #FreePageantTips #PageantInterviewCoaching #PageantInsider

    11 min

  5. 11/19/2024

    Clearing the Mechanism: Life Lessons from Kristen White

    Description In this episode of The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant, Ashley Williams Allen dive deeps into the lessons that pageants teach beyond the crown. Guest Kristen White, a pageant winner turned business powerhouse, shares how the skills you learn in pageantry can drive career success, help you handle stress, and fuel professional growth. Kristen shares powerful insights on how to overcome self-doubt, use pageant training to excel in high-pressure environments, and how to clear the mechanism for ultimate focus and clarity when life gets overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, launching a new venture, or just looking to build confidence, this episode is packed with actionable advice that will empower you to succeed under pressure and thrive in life’s biggest challenges. Key takeaways and timestamps: [01:45] The Importance of Discipline & Goal Setting: Kristen explains how pageant training is like career preparation, and why discipline and clear goals are essential for success.[06:30] Handling Pressure and Different Personalities: Kristen discusses how pageants teach you to stay focused and work with diverse personalities under pressure, which is invaluable in any career.[12:10] Clearing the Mechanism: The concept of "clearing the mechanism" in both pageants and professional life—staying focused and blocking out distractions to perform at your best.[17:00] Avoiding Gossip and Negative Energy: How negative energy and gossip can derail progress, and Kristen's tips on staying positive and focused on your goals.[22:00] Using Pageant Skills in Professional Life: Kristen talks about how pageant skills translate to real-world professional success, including managing stress, public speaking, and presenting yourself with confidence.[27:45] The Power of Professionalism and Positivity: How maintaining a professional demeanor and a positive mindset can help you succeed in any field, just as it does on the pageant stage.Follow and Connect: Find Kristen on Instagram @OneKristenWhite to stay updated on her career journey and upcoming projects, including her role in the new film How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You.

    25 min

  6. 11/12/2024

    Winning Pageant Tips from Miss Black USA and Judge Kristen White

    In this exclusive episode of The Pageant Masterclass, host Ashley Williams Allen sits down with Kristen White, a highly respected hair and makeup artist, pageant judge, and the former Miss Black USA. Known for her expertise across pageantry and the entertainment industry, Kristen shares invaluable, no-nonsense advice for pageant contestants looking to stand out. From crafting the perfect headshot to nailing the interview, Kristen’s tips offer a winning edge. Tune in to hear what judges are really looking for and how you can best present yourself across every phase of competition. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kristen White and her pageant/entertainment background04:20 - Essential advice on creating a natural and authentic pageant headshot12:00 - How to make your application bio resonate with judges20:15 - Strategies for calming nerves and connecting with judges in interviews30:45 - Fitness and discipline insights for the swimsuit/fitness competition45:00 - Selecting the perfect evening gown to showcase yourself, not just the dress1:00:00 - Handling on-stage questions like a pro1:15:40 - Why preparation and real-world feedback are key to a winning talent performanceKey Takeaways: Headshot Tips: Kristen emphasizes the importance of a natural look that genuinely reflects who you are. Overly retouched photos can be a disconnect when you meet the judges in person.Application Bio: Make it personal! Use real-life stories that align with your answers, allowing your authentic self to shine through on paper and in person.Swimsuit/Fitness Prep: Judges aren’t just looking for body type; they’re assessing dedication and discipline. Show a lifestyle commitment that’s reflected in your confidence and fitness.Evening Gown Selection: Choose a dress that complements you entirely. Kristen advises selecting gowns that enhance your natural beauty rather than overshadowing it.On-Stage Questions: Treat on-stage questions like conversations. Blocking out the audience and focusing on the questioner helps you deliver calm, genuine answers.Talent Performance: Kristen advises rehearsing in front of different audiences to receive honest feedback, which can help refine your performance for a judging panel.Follow and Connect: Find Kristen on Instagram @OneKristenWhite to stay updated on her career journey and upcoming projects, including her role in the new film How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You. Don’t miss the second part of this interview next week, where Kristen dives deeper into pageant wisdom and life insights.

    31 min

  7. 09/24/2024

    Talking Talent and All Things Pageants with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Shelly Bramhall

    Episode Overview: In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, host Ashley Williams Allen interviews Shelly Bramhall, a veteran pageant judge, former pageant director, and choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Shelly shares her unique journey from dance to pageantry, offering actionable advice for contestants at every level. From selecting the right talent to perfecting your interview technique, Shelly provides essential tips that will help contestants stand out while staying true to themselves. Whether you’re preparing for your first pageant or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to present the most authentic version of yourself. Episode Highlights with Timestamps: [01:00] – Introduction to Shelly Bramhall and her career with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.[01:53] – Shelly’s early start in dance and transition into choreography.[02:37] – How Shelly entered the pageant world and became a judge.[07:09] – Shelly’s talent advice: Stay within your expertise for a competitive edge.[10:24] – Why natural, minimally retouched headshots make a strong impact.[12:04] – Shelly’s tips for crafting a concise and authentic pageant bio.[13:20] – How to excel in the interview portion: Being yourself is key.[15:02] – Shelly’s approach to swimsuit and fitness: Confidence is everything.[16:23] – Evening gown advice: Staying age-appropriate and mindful of how your gown looks from all angles.[19:18] – Getting real, honest feedback on your talent before competition.[21:44] – How to handle the on-stage question: Listen carefully and be concise. Notable Quotes: "Be the best version of yourself. Judges don’t want to see a painted version of who you think they want—you just need to be you." – Shelly Bramhall"In the talent portion, it’s not just about being good. It’s about being entertaining and competitive on a national level." – Shelly Bramhall"A well-crafted bio is real, concise, and sets the tone for your interview." – Ashley Williams AllenConnect with Shelly Bramhall: Follow Shelly Bramhall on Instagram: @shellybramhallLearn more about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at: @dccheerleadersResources & Links: Stay connected with The Pageant Masterclass: @thepageantmasterclassFor personalized pageant coaching and guidance, visit pageantmasterclass.com

    26 min

  8. 09/09/2024

    Winning Strategies with Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton

    In this episode of The Pageant Masterclass, Ashley Williams Allen sits down with Kristen Dalton Wolfe, Miss USA 2009, board-certified mental health coach, author, and host of The Kristen Dalton Wolfe Show. Kristen shares her personal pageant journey, the importance of self-discovery, and her insights into winning the crown. If you're a pageant contestant, whether you're competing in the Miss USA or Miss America system, this episode is packed with valuable tips on maintaining confidence, preparing for interviews, and presenting your best self on stage. Key Takeaways: Kristen's journey from small-town pageants to winning Miss USAHow to handle pageant disappointments and stay motivatedThe significance of personal branding and clarity in interviewsTips for standing out in headshots, evening gowns, and on-stage questionsThe importance of choosing the right support team and coachShow Notes with Timestamps: 02:04 - 05:03: Advice for pageant contestants feeling discouraged—focusing on personal growth over results.07:12 - 11:03: The importance of confidence and taking judges off a pedestal; how to flip the narrative to impress judges.15:04 - 20:00: Tips for each pageant area—headshots, bios, interviews, and staying anchored before walking into an interview.24:19 - 27:02: Choosing the right evening gown color and style that reflects your essence; Kristen’s personal gown choice story.27:03 - 31:00: Navigating the on-stage question with a calm and prepared mindset—how Kristen handled a tricky question at Miss USA.31:01 - 34:52: Building the right support team and finding a coach who empowers rather than diminishes you.Connect with Kristen Dalton Wolfe: http://kristendaltonwolfe.com/Instagram: @kristenjdalton Kristen's book: The Sparkle EffectConnect with Ashley Williams Allen pageantmasterclass.comInstagram: @thepageantmasterclass

    29 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Pageant Master Class: How to Win a Pageant with Ashley Williams Allen! As Miss South Carolina USA 2002 and a seasoned pageant judge, I know firsthand what it takes to captivate judges and make a memorable impression on stage. With over 20 years of experience as a film and television producer, I’m here to help you unlock the secrets to capturing that elusive ‘it factor.’ In each episode, we dive deep into essential strategies and insider tips for pageant success. From crafting a standout pageant application and choosing the perfect headshot to acing your interview and perfecting your stage presence for evening gown and fitness competitions, this podcast covers it all. We also feature exclusive insights from industry insiders—judges, winners, photographers, and coaches—who will share their expertise and advice. Whether you're searching for “how to win a pageant” or seeking guidance from a top “pageant coach,” The Pageant Master Class is your ultimate resource for transforming your pageant journey. Subscribe now and get ready to shine!

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