Private Interview 25%

The judges’ panel will meet each contestant for a private interview. The basic tool for conducting this interview is a resume of personal credits and a guide for getting to know the contestant. Clues to the personality and ability are given.

Questions should be directed to determine the contestant’s ability to fulfill the job of Miss Local/State as described by the Executive Director.

No questions are prohibited; simply do not become too personal, and also stay within the bounds of good taste. Place questions well and please do not ask the contestant to perform any sort of talent during the private interview phase of competition.

Criteria for Scoring

• Qualities and attributes of a Miss America
• Overall “First Impression”
• Validated aspirations, opinions and responses in context
• Poise, personal appearance and attractiveness
• Personality, intelligence, style and emotional control
• Speech, vocabulary and grammar
• Confident and commanding presence
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to articulate her platform issue
• Sense of accomplishment
• Ability to fulfill job responsibilities of Miss Local/State

Once in front of the contestant, you may choose to use prepared high-gain questions or to generate others spontaneously in response (“triggered”) to points the contestant raised. While asking high-gain questions, be sure to encourage the contestant. High-gain questions are tough to answer. If you do not encourage while asking them, the contestant may feel interrogated. By using a lot of encouraging, you can take the edge off your high-gain questions and make the interview more conversational.

Judge the contestant on how well she has stated her opinion; it is inconsequential whether her opinion aligns with your own.

Talent 35%

Criteria for Scoring
Talent is a vehicle by which you can discern and measure a contestant’s commitment and discipline to her stage performance. A woman’s talent selection should distinguish the contestant’s:

• Talent selection and performance, as it distinguishes both the contestant’s skills and personality
• Interpretive ability
• Technical skill level (execution, technique, synchronization, control)
• Stage presence and on-stage personality
• Totality of all elements (including costume, props, voice use of body, choreography)

You will see a variety of talents – vocal in every medium, dance in all forms, gymnastics, instrumentals and drama.

On judging each, keep in mind that these women are not usually professionals. They are showing you an aspect of their character and values as much as their performing arts aptitude. Your observations about their discipline, effort, focus, and ability to overcome fears are as important as your observations on aptitude and passion.

General observations should include execution, technique, synchronization, stage presence, and the totality of all elements – including voice, use of body, costume, music, props and choreography.

Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit: 15%

Criteria for Scoring

• Qualities and attributes
• Overall “First Impression”
• Statement of strong physical fitness and health
• Sense of attractiveness and presence
• Display of energy, charisma and expression
• Sense of confidence and composure

Evening Wear: 20%

Criteria for Scoring

• Qualities and attributes
• Overall “First Impression”
• Sense of confidence, personality and stage presence
• Walk, posture, carriage and grace
• Appropriateness of attire and sense of style
• Sense of attractiveness, beauty and charm

On-Stage Question: 5%

Criteria for Scoring

• Overall “First Impression”
• Extemporaneous Responses to On-Stage Questions.
• Did the Contestant answer the question in the context in which it was asked?
• Can she handle the pressure of speaking on stage in front of an audience?
• Will young people see her as a Role Model who is reflective of today’s generation?