Pageant interview tips (what NOT to say)

[@ericavalderrama2547]

Please don't ever change, you're so genuine, authentic and a real beauty queen in my books! Those future beauty queens who will be under your wings will be fortunate to learn and acquire your knowledge in the world of pageants if they pay attention. I appreciate your passion and may you continue to thrive! Love from Los Angeles! PS: I would love to see you cover from National Costumes, Jag Fashion Show, to Free Speech, etc. and hear your thoughts about Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) pageant. The coronation night will be this Sunday & tons of beautiful Filipinas vie for Catriona Gray's position. Thank you 😘🌹

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you Erica. That was such a sweet comment. Wow! I haven't caught up with all their events, but I can't wait to see the show and do a recap. This will be my first time watching it.

[@_jolopez]

Eyes opened! I think my biggest problem is over practicing/memorizing answers, I never realized I could sound so robotic until my friend recorded me answering a random question compared to one I've recieved before!!!

[@DaniWalker]

I tell girls all the time to record themselves. It's a huge help. I think many girls think they're doing a great job and consistently make mistakes because they have no clue they're making them. What was the most valuable thing you took away from this video?

[@_jolopez]

@@DaniWalker The most valuable thing I've taken from many of your videos is visualization and authenticity! It's crazy what a new mindset can do, and when you truly know yourself and are yourself you'll go so much farther than just trying to be who you think a judge wants to see!

[@elizabethb6067]

Eyes opened 😱 You are so detail oriented, and articulative. This is why I absolutely LOVE your channel.

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you so much Elizabeth! What was the most surprising part of this video?

[@lafeeqbowman5841]

Great tips! I'm competing in my first pageant in November of this year and this video is very helpful!

[@DaniWalker]

Oh awesome! Good luck at your pageant!!! That's so exciting!

[@joliedorgan3152]

sameee good luck

[@user-hb3qv1eh5e]

Ooh! How did it go?

[@arlyamadorchoreography975]

How was it ??

[@zoeydeshay735]

How’s it go?

[@wadew4091]

In my job, I work with individuals and help them prepare for interviews. I always remind them that with the average question being asked, It's about you. So that means you already know the answer. Don't overthink, don't believe you need to be perfect. Having those thoughts will prevent you from being totally present in the moment. Just remember to be yourself, show your personality and make best of the moment. Before any interview, keep in mind your competition is practicing and preparing. You need to do the same.

[@DaniWalker]

Yessss, your competition is also preparing. I don't understand contestants, who need to improve, in order to win, who say they want to win, who also don't practice.

[@wadew4091]

@@DaniWalker listen! Totally understand. Even the greatest out there is always practicing and trying to improve their craft or be better.

[@goldmaple4360]

Great tips ! I noticed a lot of people use " like" a lot in real life even in normal conversation. Your tips are not just great for pageants but for everyday life too. I will be job hunting. I am in the process of changing my career and for the past few months taking a diploma.

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you!! I hope these can even help you in your job search.

[@lashayjohnson4403]

As a coach who has started to adore following you on here and IG. I must agree with a lot of your points. A few things I wanted to add that I myself am guilty of sometimes... -Watch how much you use your hands in Interview, avoid presenter style. A lot of times its distracting from the content to your question...unless its really needed.. I am guilty of this, I am super expressive so I try to have a hand on lap clasps or holding my suit jacket to avoid having that moment... -With eye contact, firmly start your answer to the question towards the judge who asked you, then give the eye contact to the rest of the panel. All to often Ive had to take points off for a oversight (pun intended) and its not itimidating to look at the judges especially in this phase where you have to sell yourself in order to stand out for the judges especially with various phases added to that score. -Dont Play safe or rest on saving it for the final. Many times girls or guys throw away interview with riding the middle in hopes that everything else will pull them up. Consistency from start to finish is what gets you crowned. Give yourself the feeling that every question is worth your full voice and the more you put in the better result will occur...

[@DaniWalker]

Yes to these but a BIG EXTRA YES to your last point. Oh my gosh yes. I don't think anyone should save anything for interview, gown, swim, etc. Whatever it is, do you best. If you don't, you might not even make it past a semi final.

[@lashayjohnson4403]

@@DaniWalker exactly, includes Optionals....Although judged seperately most judges use those moments to paint the image of that contestant towards main stage competition....I rather ask why did you go hard then did you really do enough??

[@finallyfree2BMe]

Eyes opened...I do sometimes tend to go on a tangent in general in life and tend to be too open with strangers

[@DaniWalker]

I do the same thing! I think it's important to give yourself an approximate timeline in your head. I started to become very aware of the time I spent answering each question and was able to shorten them with practice.

[@mirandarinehart5593]

Eyes opened 👀 My daughter and I watched this together as we are both competing this summer. (She loves your edits) Working on avoiding vocal fillers is the main focus for her and I both.

[@DaniWalker]

Oh how awesome, you're both competing!!! It's great that you've realized those things and know what you can work on to improve.

[@briansamuelbumatay2]

Ooooh, I am glad you have mentioned the negatives... I vividly remember one girl in a local pageant that I watched ... She was asked about the biggest challenge she's faced and what she learned from it, and for 30 seconds all she did was rant about her disability and how she struggled with it.. It was sooooo draggy... It was quite obvious that she was capitalizing on her trying times... it was sooooo unbearably daunting to listen to.. I wished she could have put a positive spin on her answer... I am so glad that you have made this blog... Thank you Dani!!! More power to you!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you Brian, I know what you mean. I've totally been there in an interview. I think it's great to be an overcomer, but if all you do is focus on everything bad about your life experiences, then it pulls the energy out of the room.

[@Angiebe3]

I’ll be competing for the first time this year and my platform is one that I’m emotional about, I really appreciate the advice about finding your limit/not going too deep. Thank you!

[@Chloe-nr2uw]

I just failed school this year and wanting to bring my self up.I started to study,exercise more and somehow,I adored how I look this past few months.I started learning to walk like a model and I kind of like it.I found my self having potential at it,I hope to do this someday.

[@DaniWalker]

Keep setting new goals and achieving them.

[@bellavision6572]

Eyes Open! Dani Walker your videos really help me to do better in pageants!

[@DaniWalker]

So happy to hear that :)

[@neilbruce123]

Sounds like wonderful advice for any job interview.

[@DaniWalker]

[@Yoya290]

The volunteering point was new news to me! I always thought girls who make it to top 15 are girls who are always volunteering and do many platforms.

[@jasmine_ash]

Same!

[@DaniWalker]

I think, lots of girls have that impression, which is why they feel like they have to talk so much about volunteering, at which point they make it sound forced. But I've judge pageants, and selected winners that were first time contestants. Service hours had nothing to do with my choice.

[@DaniWalker]

Glad I can clarify that then :)

[@finallyfree2BMe]

The sad thing is if they are only volunteering for the simple reason of trying to "look like they care" and get pageant points when really their heart is not even in it or they would not genuinely be doing any of it if there were not a pageant involved. It's also sad to see them base there entire platform on something really really sad just because they feel the judges will feel sorry for them and get pity points. I'm not saying they shouldn't tell about amazing things they have overcome in life but when they bring it up repeatedly it sometimes seems like they just want someone to feel sorry for them.

[@mackenziee7879]

agreed!

[@zoeysmith7103]

I’ve never been to a pageant. I’ve never watched one. I’m competing in my first one this spring and I want to win so. badly. Thanks so much! ❤️

[@DaniWalker]

Oh wow, how interesting. Watch some pageants for your age online. Good luck!

[@abbeybarker6838]

I get what you mean about the volunteer thing. I feel like if someones experiences volunteering have given them skills that they can apply to their reign if they won, that it might justify bringing it up though. But there’s definitely a time and a place for it! Great video as always :)

[@DaniWalker]

Exactly, if it makes sense, then mention it. But some girls bring up their community involvement when it not relevant to the question that was asked.

[@emilysullivan441]

Eyes opened 😁, this video made me so much more confident for my first pageant, thank you!!!

[@DaniWalker]

Wonderful! I'm glad I could give you a little direction :D Good luck!

[@samanthalishank]

I have gotten a lot better about eliminating “um” and “like” - but I am SO GUILTY with saying “so yeah” especially in non-pageant interviews. Thank you for this!

[@itslyviee]

So honored to gain wisdom from you!!!

[@DaniWalker]

[@carleegrace7677]

used to compete when i was younger and stopped, I’m starting up again in about a year and trying to get everything that’s basic down. Your videos are really helping!🤍

[@DaniWalker]

Yayyy! So glad to help!

[@feberachel6812]

Eyes Opened! Especially the volunteering part. 😍😍

[@DaniWalker]

Oh that's great to hear :D

[@sagefullen7738]

This has been so helpful! I have my first conception this weekend for Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen 2021! I will be sure to come back with the results!

[@pamfoster4460]

This is opening my eyes for my pageant next week. Thank You

[@DaniWalker]

So glad to hear that. What was your biggest takeaway.

[@pamfoster4460]

@@DaniWalker Not use verbal pauses and think before speaking. Calm your mind so you speak slowly and clearly/

[@DaniWalker]

@@pamfoster4460 Thanks for letting me know. I'm always trying to learn what's most valuable for viewers. This really helps me :)

[@captaincrunch784]

EYES OPENED- That's really interesting about putting a damper on things with telling dark stories. The only pageant I ever did was a terrible experience. Every single girl had a dark sob story about divorce or abuse or a life altering injury, something that was really kind of a downer and the judges responded to that emotionally because the contestants were all sobbing through their speech. When I went last after all the tears, my entire speech was super positive and I didn't place at all. I COULD have said my grandmother was literally dying in the hospital the night of the pageant but I didn't. I probably would have won that scholarship if I went full-blow sob story. Are other pageants the opposite?

[@robloxfan9669]

Eyes Open! This is really going to help for my next pageant!

[@DaniWalker]

I'm happy to read that!

[@Oak7565]

Very great points you made Dani!! I thought the no rehearsed answers part during interview was interesting because of course you don’t wanna sound “rehearsed “ because it does not sound very natural and nor does it really showcase your authentic self. In my MAO local I did which was 50 miles away from me(due to pre-2.0 many locals got taken away for some reason so I literally had to ask people for rides) I remember interviews were for getting to know me better. I felt that my platform ,which was making Public Transportation more affordable (and safer), was being challenged by the judges(not in bad ways) but to check to see how realistic it was. I do recall a strong question that wasn’t that pertinent to me: “what about the people with mental disabilities” and I did my best not to hesitate too long or show too much discomfort and politely stated that there are services for those people and that the focus was to have people who are unable to afford cars to be able to afford public transportation, particularly subway if needed and I said I will look up the answer after the interview. I was deeply tempted to say I am unsure how to answer that question but I felt like I evaded the question a little...any thoughts? In interview prep workshop: we were told NOT to answer a question starting off with “I don’t know”

[@ezw112]

Watching your videos has help me to open my eyes to attend a pageant in a different way. That it gave me a chance to hold a title to my first pageant. Please Continue to do these videos it helps alot of ladies dreams come true

[@DaniWalker]

Aww I'm happy to hear that!!! I'll definitely keep making them :)

[@itskenzielou]

Eyes open this is helping a lot

[@DaniWalker]

I'm so glad! :)

[@Mrskaseymunzer]

You have helped me so much for my first pageant ever eyes 👀 opened

[@DaniWalker]

I'm so glad :) I hope the pageant prep episodes help :)

[@geethikabhagavatula9972]

Thanks so much Dani! Eyes Opened!

[@raetvnetwork]

Eyes OPENED

[@isabellaprox9986]

Eyes Opened! I love this channel!

[@DaniWalker]

Thanks so much!! What was your biggest takeaway from this episode?

[@isabellaprox9986]

What I learned from this video is not to be negative. Thank you Dani!

[@mariaronquillo2117]

Eyes Opened! I also love this channel! Your the best Dani!

[@talithabing]

Eyes opened...i'm too raw (negative) sometimes, not realizing the effects it has on others.

[@deannadanielle]

Your channel is so helpful! 🩷

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you so much 💕 I try

[@kayleejarvis1422]

Im going to my first pageant your channel was so helpful

[@DaniWalker]

I'm happy to hear it!! Good luck to you! Let me know how it goes!

[@Sonia-pd9bl]

Lol this is spot on!! Especially answering around your platform all the time

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you so much!!

[@chikezielilian6322]

I love all your options. You are authentic and real

[@briannacain7569]

Eyes opened!! Especially about the volunteering portion. Thanks for sharing all these great tips!

[@imnothere1351]

Thanks so much! I'm also in my first pageant in November, and this was very helpful!

[@DaniWalker]

You're very welcome!!! Good luck at your pageant!!

[@thedottedpresent]

Eyes Opened!

[@DaniWalker]

What part was your biggest take away?

[@thedottedpresent]

Take away: meaning what I have learned from your videos, the biggest take away(learning from you) would be(in this video) to be careful of your words and really have a positive outlook on life and able to be expressive and not get distracted. I tend to get nervous and so I sound pretty professional, and you are right, be your true authentic self and stay at ease, that is what the judges are looking for! Sorry for the very late reply!

[@swaggyphrog8185]

I have my first pageant in may and I am scared. this helped me understand more

[@DaniWalker]

Oh I'm glad. No need to be afraid. I haven't encountered mean pageant judges. People make interviews seem scary and I'm not sure why. They're simply a conversation.

[@oliviamiller8149]

Eyes open thank you for your help

[@DaniWalker]

So glad, what was your biggest takeaway?

[@claudineirobertopiske6120]

Lovely Dani Walker, I 'm your huge fan from southern Brazil. I have been flourishing my English through your videos. I really like your way of speaking as well as how confident you are as talking about beauty pageants.

[@DaniWalker]

That is so awesome Claudinei! Thank you so much!!

[@raagalayalu]

eyes opened

[@maahibanerje9013]

Eyes opened !! Obviously ...

[@darla-ray1092]

Eyes opened

[@DaniWalker]

I'm happy to hear it :D which part stuck out to you?

[@neilbruce123]

Your tips are so amazing. The Miss Universe USA interview with the guy that interviews everyone was awesome.

[@beautifullydiamond8273]

Eyes Opened. Love you Dani!!!

[@DaniWalker]

Love you too! What part stuck out the most?

[@beautifullydiamond8273]

@@DaniWalker The part that stuck out to me the most was when you were explaining um's are bad to use in interviews. I've recently started saying um alot and I tend to rehearse exactly what I'm going to say beforehand so I won't be nervous. I have 1 question. How do you break out of being nervous before a interview?

[@geniavannoord2343]

These tips are very eye opening thanks for posting!!

[@DaniWalker]

You're so welcome. Which do you think was the most helpful?

[@geniavannoord2343]

I thought giving more info than what is asked is great because sometimes we're nervous and forget or some just don't do it at all! Also the fact of not force-feeding all of your outside pageant activities such as volunteering!!

[@damenandcarlatackett7688]

eyes open! my first pagent is in june im super exited your tips will help me ALOT

[@DaniWalker]

I'm so happy to hear that! I wish you the best!

[@rachelmk7965]

Eyes Opened , Thanks so much

[@DaniWalker]

No problem! I'm happy to help :D

[@Mrskaseymunzer]

Thank you again, You’re an awesome queen! You are such an amazing person and leader! Thank you for all of these videos!

[@skylarpowelltoo7542]

I have been taught by you in Albany Ga, Im Skylar and I have to go to Atl in 4 days for pageant weekend but thank you for these vids!! They r very helpful!

[@DaniWalker]

:) How'd it go?

[@skylarpowelltoo7542]

Very well! I made it to top 15 in my first goo!!!! Thanks Dani for your help!! Are you going to the LA Nationals to judge or hang out?

[@jennavitabile9305]

This is so hopeful ☺️

[@DaniWalker]

I'm so glad :)

[@Komerican10]

Wow. I love this!!

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you!

[@gracynedmondson1589]

Eyes Opened!!!!!

[@emilylove3639]

AHH I’m competing Saturday so I’m soo glad you posted this

[@DaniWalker]

Yayyy!!! That's awesome! Good luck, tell me how it goes!

[@brie-ann]

Omg this is very helpful!!! i’m competing in August do this will help me prepare🤩!

[@itslyviee]

Eyes opened !!! Wow

[@DaniWalker]

I'm glad! Which part did you learn the most from?

[@itslyviee]

@@DaniWalker I learned the most from the part of the video where you said that we shouldn't make the mistake of using words such as "um","like", and "so yeah" This is definitely going to help me in NAM!!

[@DaniWalker]

@@itslyviee Oh wonderful! Yes, applying that to your practice will make a big difference :)

[@ericotto314]

Eyes opened - ideas that can be used for effectively communicating any testimonial. 🤟

[@natashagordon]

I enjoyed every bit of this video and I must say most of the video was an eye opener for me. Wish me luck in my pageant coronation is next month!!!

[@DaniWalker]

Good luck! What was your biggest take away?

[@natashagordon]

To be honest verbal pauses and sharing my platform; I honestly thought that volunteering was 'the' most important part of the pageant. Thank you so much for this video.❤❤

[@DaniWalker]

@@natashagordon It's a great thing if you can mention some volunteer work, but many contestants try to mention it in every answer in their interview, which makes it sounds really authentic. In most cases, mention it once, then move on to something else.

[@natashagordon]

Thank you so much @Daniwalker I'll surely keep that in mind

[@mauritv4231]

Eyes opened!

[@DaniWalker]

I'm glad! Which part stuck out the most?

[@taylorderscheid3247]

Eyes opened!!! This video was really helpful❤

[@DaniWalker]

Yayyy! That makes me happy to read. What part was most helpful?

[@taylorderscheid3247]

@@DaniWalker the part where you talked about verbal pauses was super helpful because I tend to say um a lot when talking with people

[@DaniWalker]

That was hard for me when I first started competing. I started to practice taking things slow and it allowed me to eliminate those from my vocab in interview.

[@taylorderscheid3247]

Awesome!! I will have to give that a try❤

[@isabellaprox9986]

When I'm in a interview I always say um a lot too. I am so glad that I watched this video!

[@cluqtmanianhadakimle9784]

EYES OPEN👀 thanks miss Dani👍🏼👍🏼 I do have a request tho for a video. I wanted to know what u were asked during ur interview in the Miss USA competition..well since the organisation didn’t show it to the audience, I thought maybe u could share what questions that the board of judges asked u guys specifically...

[@DaniWalker]

Thanks for checking out this video! What new thing did you learn from this one? I love that episode idea!!

[@cluqtmanianhadakimle9784]

Dani Walker yeahh like when answering questions that are too Deep and too Dark (like thats really awkward😂) and answering “Definitely....Absolutely...” hahha

[@shaddd1770]

This video is a huge help to those aspiring beauty contestants. Also , I kinda like you and I hope you can judge the Miss Universe Philippines because your insights are incredible and full of positive thoughts that can motivate someone especially a beauty pageant contestant.

[@DaniWalker]

Awww thank you for saying that. I hope I can do that one day :)

[@juliweddle2915]

Eyes opened! Thank you

[@SinainKorea]

Eyes opened.

[@DaniWalker]

I'm happy to hear that. Was surprised you in this video?

[@SinainKorea]

@@DaniWalker The part about when you've judged pageants and not been put off by a contestant not volunteering. If she seems like she'd be a great titleholder you don't mind scoring her highly. That was a pleasant surprise.

[@DaniWalker]

@@SinainKorea Gotcha. I think that would surprise people. I've been in that situation so many times, where we meet a "pageant girl" who's volunteered a ton, but she's not sincere when she speaks, then you meet a very likeable girl, who's natural, and charming, who's new to pageantry, so she's never volunteered. I cannot count it against her that pageantry, and volunteering are new to her, so I wouldn't score down for that. I will however score down for girls who come off as very fake. You'll lose major points with me for that because your interview was essentially a waste. If you cannot speak to a judge, as you'd speak to a stranger, outside of pageants, then I have no idea who you are, and I won't take the risk of awarding a crown to a contestant that I never actually got to meet.

[@raeghans.99]

eyes opened Thank you so much

[@DaniWalker]

You're so welcome!

[@Symphony185]

Eyes opened! I’m a first timer, it’s next weekend! Any tips?

[@aliyagrizzardrubyangel3820]

Thank you so much for these tips! 👑💞

[@DaniWalker]

You're very welcome. I hope you can apply them :)

[@georgerobbins3198]

Do not use the words basic/ basically, literal/literally, exact/exactly, okay, or, "and" numerous times. Always reply back, especially in the south, "yes ma''am", "no ma'am", "yes sir", and "no sir." Do not use big words like the one's you hear at the National Spelling Bee. They sound so contrived. Keep it simple and on point. Make the interview a conversation. Talk with the judges as you would if they were sitting with you on your sofa at home.

[@DaniWalker]

Great great points here!! Especially the Spelling Bee comment.

[@roudyboymansour9757]

I'm wandering why you don't even make the top 15 at miss usa 2018 pageant??, you're so well-spoken and confidently beautiful 😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you! Because MUO picks the top 15 lol. It's not just the judges.

[@chloeroberts2221]

Eyes opened thank you so much 💓

[@DaniWalker]

Glad to hear it! Which parts helped most?

[@reggiec2924]

Finally, someone (you) have an axe to grind on the word "like". Some girls and guys think that it sounds cute but it really doesn't, most especially to well educated people. Then they would say "like" with matching twitching of their fingers and the rolling of the eyes. We fondly call them "valley girls". Their natural habitat: western part of the USA.

[@DaniWalker]

🤣 I enjoy this comment.

[@thimna_kulati]

Great tips. I'm competing in December for my first pageant

[@DaniWalker]

Thank you! Good luck at the pageant!! :)))

[@thimna_kulati]

@@DaniWalker OMG you replied 😍😍😭 Thank you so much all the way from South Africa 🔥🙏❤❤

[@jjjalyn]

Can you make a video on NAM jr teen personal introduction examples?

[@yourstrulyjournee2758]

Love these tips Dani!

[@mariaronquillo2117]

Love these tips Dani!

[@laikenbaumgartner1703]

EYES OPENED!

[@DaniWalker]

What was your biggest take away?

[@haileyteutla4799]

Hey I’m going to be in a pageant in May in Chicago Illinois I am kinda nervous but this helps!

[@DaniWalker]

I'm so glad you've found it helpful :D

[@mkay8894]

Eyes opened!!

[@andilenkosi7396]

eyes opened. thank you 💞

[@DaniWalker]

You're so welcome!

[@taliyahkromah9480]

Thank you so much for helping me ❤️

[@DaniWalker]

You're very welcome :D

[@sydneymetcalf215]

Eyes 100% opened

[@DaniWalker]

👏

[@brisparks4456]

Eyes are definitely open

[@DaniWalker]

So happy to hear it :)

[@sandrafriant1691]

Great tips! I might win my 1st pageant!

[@DaniWalker]

Thanks so much!!

[@EllaRae]

eyes opened!!!!!

[@DaniWalker]

: )

[@SinainKorea]

Please make a video about the importance of education in the IMG era. It seems as though it is necessary for the winners to be highly educated or is that not true? Is career important? I think it shouldn't be very important but only a small factor in a contestant's overall appeal.

[@DaniWalker]

I don't think it's important especially since the work force is changing and more and more people are becoming self employed. I can't imagine judging a contestant and up-scoring her for her education if she cannot interview well. I believe pageants are just becoming more competitive and a woman who's complete her education typically is older, has more life experience, and well developed communication skills. Education might be a contributing factor, but it is not the reason you select her to represent your brand.

[@SinainKorea]

@@DaniWalker That makes so much sense. Thank you🙌

[@finallyfree2BMe]

That is a tough one because sometimes I have seen judges become so impressed with someone because they are a doctor or a lawyer when the artist gets overlooked because her job is somewhat less important in the eyes of some people. I know people like to brag about going to Harvard or some other high ranking school that most of the general population would be wowed over but that doesnt necessarily mean that automatically qualifies them to be the smartest nor does it qualify them to be a title holder. Everyone has a different path in life and everyone should be still looked at as equals.

[@orchid5434]

Eyes opened ✨

[@EllaRae]

thanks so much!! I needed this so much!!

[@DaniWalker]

You're welcome! Did you learn something new or did this reinforce previous knowledge?

[@EllaRae]

@@DaniWalker I learned new things! I've been SO worried about my interview so this helped my nerves a bit... I'm nervous about answering professionally enough without seeming like a robot.

[@DaniWalker]

@@EllaRae I'm glad this helped to calm your nerves. Don't let the idea of an interview become a huge deal in your head. A lot of your success has to do with your mindset. Approach this as a conversation.

[@EllaRae]

@@DaniWalker thank you so much! honestly your such a down to earth girl and I'm so glad I get to learn from you!!

[@kyyyyyyyyym365]

I’m so worried about saying like! When I get nervous I do it! 😮😢

[@DaniWalker]

I say "like" in my everyday speech too. It just takes time and practice to be aware of your overuse of the word so you can eliminate it from your vocab during a competition.

[@Dra.Nicolivalerio]

Eyes opened ❤️

[@DaniWalker]

[@tristnyta7300]

eyes openeddddd

[@DaniWalker]

Glad you're learning some new things for your pageant prep. What was your biggest take away from this one?

[@tristnyta7300]

Dani Walker definitely the one about volunteering, i thought they would want us to mention it

[@DaniWalker]

@@tristnyta7300 If you do volunteer, have a cause or a platform, by all means, mention it. But having those things on your resume is not a pageant requirement at most pageants. I think it's great if a girl does talk about it in interview, but not if she's listing her community involvement as the reason why she's the best choice for the title. Being a volunteer does not make anyone the BEST choice. You have to have the personal character qualities and communication skills necessary for the job.

[@Absoltuhvbn]

eyes opened!!

[@DaniWalker]

Which part stuck out the most to you?

[@Absoltuhvbn]

Dani Walker I never really thought about filler words and how tired judges must get of hearing them! Thinking back to past interviews I’ve done I can totally hear myself starting out “Yes, of course..” or not finishing off a statement strongly and ending with that awkward “So.. yeah!” I’ve only ever done small local or festival pageants and I’ve been very successful but I’ll be competing in Miss Louisiana Teen USA for the first time in October and I’m SUPER excited but SUPER nervous. I’ve watched literally every single video on your channel and they’re so helpful! I think I want to start up a channel just to vlog the experience of the pageant just because it looks so fun when you do it! You really have been such an inspiration!!

[@DaniWalker]

@@Absoltuhvbn Thanks so much!!! Good luck at LA Teen USA. Eliminating those filler words will be huge for that pageant specifically. Wish you the best, and if you need any coaching, I'm here :) You can find info on my website daniwalkerofficial.com

[@a.oconnell6934]

Can you do video on closing statement?

[@mikkyj9374]

Thank you Dani! I'm competing for my second year in Missouri, and I'm so excited, and this helped me out so much, along with all the other videos in my playlist! Love you! Also, I have a question. Do I need to make friends to succeed, because last year, they let some of the contestants vote for one of the contests so do I need to make friends?

[@DaniWalker]

Making friends at a pageants is one of the best and longest lasting benefits of competing at a pageant. You don't have to make friends but I don't know why you wouldn't want to.

[@Goddesssun93]

What are the qualities of a title holder? What do judges look for specifically if you were to bullet point the common things that every judge looks for... Thank you in advance!!!!

[@Oak7565]

Sometimes Depends on the pageant system

[@Mrskaseymunzer]

My platform is Domestic violence and SHBb. It is near and dear to my heart. I was planning on saying I have received a Gold medal from ICADV and still working with and racing money and awareness for safe haven baby boxes. Should I mention my past of DV?? then say, I became an overcomer and broke the cyclic pattern of domestic abuse in my family bloodline and that’s what I’m most proud of. That I just wrote off the fly. Does it sound ok in that frame?

[@madysonzoucha6881]

eyes opened!

[@DaniWalker]

What new things did you learn in this video?

[@madysonzoucha6881]

Dani Walker before watching this video, I thought you had a better chance of winning if you talk about a lot of volunteer work. I worried about this before, but this video helped me realize that I still may have a chance even if I don’t volunteer as much as others! 💓

[@DaniWalker]

@@madysonzoucha6881 :) Mentioning volunteer work can be great, but that's the only thing some girls talk about, which makes them sound so forced. If you volunteer, it's nice to talk about once in your interview. But not to continue on about it in every answer.

[@_teatimetheatrics]

eyes open!!

[@DaniWalker]

I'm glad to hear it :)