How To Win A Beauty Pageant

Step 1: In It To Win It

Judges are looking for character, poise, personality and most importantly, confidence. If you don't believe in yourself, you're not going to win. It's not about being the most gorgeous but coming out there and saying I'm fabulous.

If you lack chutzpah, try these three tactics to build more confidence. Make eye contact with your audience and especially the judges. Stand tall-no slouching. This is also a no-brainer trick to make your bust look bigger. Lastly, try to be relaxed and comfortable-even when you're onstage in your bikini!

Step 2: Talk The Talk

Prior to a beauty pageant, there are days of rehearsals learning dance numbers, press events and interviews with the judges. So you better be ready to give some impressive answers!

Questions range from your background to what's happening in the world now so know your current events. You'd think they'd be easy to answer but it can be unnerving when you're in the hot seat and there's a line of judges staring back at you.

When asked a question onstage, play to the audience with your answer. Try to make as much eye contact with the judges as possible, especially to the one that asked the question. The judges are looking for genuine and honest answers that are smart.

Step 3: Look The Part

If you haven't already, get yourself up into the gym and get your fitness on. Let's face it-it's part of why we hate and love to watch pageants. You've got to be pretty with or without your clothes for these things. Hello…bikini competition!

But even with a great figure, these queens have a few beauty tricks they rely on before strutting onstage like using bronzer for the body.

Step 4: Dress The Part

Your gown and bikini portion counts for a third of the scoring at the Miss USA competition. Your gown can cost anywhere from $5 to thousands of dollars.

What matters is how they will look on you, how your outfit will look onstage and most importantly how comfortable you will be wearing it.

Wardrobe color should compliment your complexion and hair color and play up your best assets. Be careful not to look too sexy.

Of course, chicken cutlets and other body gear can come in handy for dresses or bikinis to ensure that you catch the judges eyes.

Step 5: Walk The Walk

It's extremely important to have a fantastic walk. Why? Because when you're lined up shoulder to shoulder in a row of gorgeous gals, having a fantastic walk can make you pop out in a lineup.

Before starting any pageant walk, make sure to take a deep breathe.

Place your hands on your hips and begin your walk.

When you strike your pose, pause for a tantalizing tease, then do your turn. The pose and turn can happen in the middle and at the end of a walk.

Throw in a second turn if you're feeling extra sassy!

And even as you end your walk, a true beauty queen continues to play to the judges so keep eye contact with them until your last step off stage.