Judging Without Ego:
How To Put All Contestants First

Learning to treat every entrant with consistent fairness can go a long way in making a good judge better. Miss Florida’s president and executive director provides a principled primer.

By Mary E. Sullivan

What qualifications are most essential to be a good pageant judge?

I am honored when asked to judge a pageant. It is a serious undertaking, because many times the decision made by a judges’ panel can change the life of the winner forever. In my opinion, a judge must be a good listener and be able to act on his or her own instincts and feelings. It is important to be able to see the total package and not be swayed by one area of the competition. If the contestant’s biography, fact sheet, or information is sent to the judges prior to arriving at the pageant, a good judge will become familiar with the information beforehand. Appropriate behavior is necessary when judging a pageant. It is imperative that the judge gives undivided attention to the contestant during the competition phases. A judge should never become combative or confrontational with a contestant during the Interview process. Even if the contestant on stage is not one in strong consideration for the title, the judge should give that contestant the same attention and respect as to one that is a front runner. A smile or pleasant look by a judge can go a long way in increasing the contestant’s self esteem and overall positive pageant experience. A judge should never make requests of the pageant’s organizers for special treatment.

When interviewing a participant, what are your questions designed to find out?

It is imperative that the judges are made aware of the pageant’s “job description.” Once there is a clear understanding of what the titleholder’s responsibilities to the pageant will be, questions can be asked to determine whether or not the contestant can handle the job. The Interview process should not be an opportunity to interrogate, intimidate, or test a contestant, but one that allows a judge to get to know the contestant on a more up-close and personal basis. Interview questions should be presented in such a way to allow the contestant’s qualities to shine through. Conversational style questions that encourage a contestant to open up with the judges will yield a more effective and communicative interview. I ask questions that elicit both intelligent and emotional responses from the contestant. I stay away from questions that contain several parts, are too long, combative, or sensitive in nature.