Secrets Of A Judge: Miss USA Preliminaries

Beauty pageant contestants can go on to successful careers in modeling, film and television-- especially if they win the crown.

A successful contestant needs to know exactly what the judges are looking for.

Stephanie Lewis of shuzsociety got some answers from Bob Webber, who judges preliminary rounds of the Miss USA pageant. Weber is the creative director of Nina Footwear, a company that's been involved with the pageant since the 1950s.

Whether you're strutting down the runway or answering questions from the judge, be confident. A belief in yourself will help you get through the many steps required to get to the national competition.

Judges are always watching, so know exactly where you're going on the runway. Know your marks, and familiarize yourself with the stage. Make eye contact with at least one judge.

Pageants aren't just about beauty any more. Judges want to know how you plant to make the world a better place. You can explore ideas for your future at www.g21.com Bob Webber founded this web site, based on the eight United Nations millennium goals. The site has a social networking component, along with an online directory of socially conscious companies.

With poise, practice and some solid ideas for helping others, you can impress a judge like Bob Webber.