“…And in no particular order, the first top ten semi-finalist for the national title of Ms. American Woman is…(drum roll)”
I felt every beat of my heart. I was light headed , dizzy, and thought I was going to faint.
“…Suzie Smith, Ms. New York.”
Oh man! Okay.There is still hope. Maybe I’ll be next.
“Next is… (drum roll) Rhonda…”
Oh my gosh! It’s me… it’s me!
“…JONES, Ms. California”
Not me… (sigh)… it was the other Rhonda in the pageant. I wonder if anyone has ever died on stage during a pageant because I really thought I was having heart attack.
“…Welcome…(drum roll) Rhonda Shappert, Ms. Ohio”
Wait…was that my name? Yes! He really said my name. Whooo Hooo!
The rush of adrenaline that had hit my body was overwhelming. I was on a high. I had made it! I really made the cut! As the night progressed, the top ten went through the onstage interview, swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Then it was time to name the top five.
“…Our first top five finalist is Rhonda…”
Wait for the full announcement this time, Rhonda…which Rhonda is it…
“…Shappert Ms. Ohio”
Again, a huge feeling of relief came over me. We answered our final onstage question and it was time for the results.
“The second runner up is …..”
Not me. Okay, I’m still in the running though.
“Our first runner up is…”
Not me again…OH BOY :). There was three of us standing waiting for the name of the winner to be called.
“Our new Ms. American Woman is…(drum roll) Rhonda Jones!”
The other contestant grabs me and says, “CONGRATULATIONS!”
I say “thanks, but it’s the OTHER Rhonda.”
A huge sinking feeling came over me, much like a deflating balloon.I was the third runner up that year. This is one of my many pageant stories that illustrates the thrill of winning and the agony of defeat. As nerve racking as it is to be an audience member, it isn’t the same emotional rollercoaster ride a contestant feels.
I must say, mastery over my nerves has been one of the greatest life skills I have acquired through pageantry and today I’m going to share my 1,2,3 technique with you:).
#1 Breathe in and hold.
#2 Exhale.
#3 Think.
Take one second to breathe deeply from your diaphragm- a muscle below your lungs and rib cage. When you deep breathe, your shoulders should not move at all. Think of filling your stomach with air. As you breathe in, say these three words in your head “ breathe in hold”. On the exhale say “and out two”. Besides releasing stress, deep diaphragmatic breathing helps to temporarily eliminate that queasy feeling in your stomach-or the butterflies.
The third part is to think a very specific thought. Picture in your mind a person, place or thing that instantly makes you feel joyful, relaxed or confident. Or choose a favorite memory of yours and play it back in your mind. If you connect with music, pick a song that generates good feelings in you.. Or perhaps it’s a word or phrase. You see, a thought will create a feeling and a feeling will lead to an action.If you don’t like the feelings you’re having, change your thought.
The more relaxed you are, the more confidence you will have and your actions will reflect that. I’m not saying it’s possible to totally eliminate the nerves, but to let nerves totally paralyze you can be prevented. Yes, it really is that simple. Practice this technique until it becomes easy so when you need it, it’s a habit.
Also, the more prepared you are for a situation, the less nervous you will be. If you’re nervous about interview, request my FREE interview card to get you started. These are the beginning 10 questions every person must know to be prepared for an interview. The more practice you have on a stage walking and speaking, the sooner you will be master of your nerves.
By RhondaShappert
September 15, 2009 17:06
Copyright © 2009 Winning Through Pageantry, LLC.
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