We are a society who loves to watch the television. We watch to be entertained, inspired, educated and escape from the daily routine of our life. Maybe that’s why pageants and TV are a natural fit for each other.
With all the filming effects, camera angles, and editing, television can make events and people smaller or bigger than life. I totally understand contestants’ and parents’ apprehension when they first find out the pageant they are competing in is being filmed for television. After all, most of what the media focuses on is the isolated, over the top situation. It’s not representational of the pageant world as a whole.
There are a few keys points to keep in mind when the TV crew is around. They are going to follow and focus on events and contestants who will draw people into watching the show. The network doesn’t care about who wins the pageant. Their focus is to give their demographic audience a show worth watching.
If it’s drama they want, they will seek out the “drama queen.” If it is to inspire, they will find the person with the most compelling story. The television network has their focus, and the pageant system has theirs. The two are separate worlds.
So don’t think because the cameras, or the media, are following one contestant that she is the choice of the judges and going to win the pageant. Do not let the presence of the camera crew play with your head. Most of the time, the winner is completely off the media’s radar screen.
Always be yourself. If you start thinking you have to act a certain way or say certain things, you’re flirting with disaster. Stay focused on who you are, your message and show them the class act lady you are. It’s what you say and do when no one is watching that reveals your true character.
Hopefully, the camera will be filming at that moment, and finally the world can see the truth about what draws people to the pageant stage. It’s achievement, friendship, self expression, service to others, personal growth, and opportunity all wrapped up and topped with a pretty crown. The crown is just the bow to the meaningful gift wrapped underneath.
Be the change you want to see happen in the way pageants are portrayed on television. It starts one contestant at a time.
