|
|
The following is an excerpt from the introduction of More Than the Crown
...success
depends as much upon what goes into the preparation beforehand as it
does on the presentation itself. Before you even take a step, sing a
note, pluck a string, or whatever else it is that you may do, you must
be prepared to do it.
The techniques you will learn in “More
Than the Crown” are related not only to talent portions, but are
preparations that can be done before any event. The preparation before
you walk in for the interview. The preparation before you say your
name and where you’re from in your introduction. The preparation
before you are introduced for your modeling presentation. Preparation
that can make or break the day for you.
I often use the word
“lesson” with my students, because everything in life can be a valuable
lesson. We must be open, receptive, and have the desire to learn. So
often the lessons can be right in front of us and still we miss them.
Something as simple as watching a baby taking it’s first steps is an
incredible lesson that helps us to see balance and gravity in action --
but even more importantly: perseverance! The kind of perseverance we
need to accomplish long term goals throughout our lives. If we choose
to look for lessons, quite often we can find them, but we have to make
a conscious choice to look. Quite often we get caught up in the tasks
of the day and miss the many opportunities from which we can learn.
If you are open, you can learn from almost anything. The next time
something doesn’t go your way, see if you can find a lesson in that as
well. When you are able do this, you will be well on your way.
As your coach, it is my goal to capture what is inherently unique in
you, and to capitalize on this throughout an event. Because other than
you, what is it that makes the difference? There is no concrete answer
to this question, but often the missing element is your true
personality as it is being masked by a facade you put on for the day,
or the week, because you think it’s what the judges want to see. This
can make the difference between top ten, or watching the crowning from
the audience.
As you prepare for any pageant, if you focus on
more than the crown you’ll find yourself learning things you never
expected to learn. Regardless of where you are along your journey,
look for the lessons. Beyond the usual ones in the studio that will
make you a better dancer, singer, or musician. Beyond the lessons of
sentence structure and projection as you write and practice your speech
or introduction. Look for the lessons of kindness, patience, giving,
and sharing -- these are the things that, in the long run, really
count in making you the person you desire to be.
If you are
kind, and giving, and patient, and have worked as hard as you can, how
is it possible for you not to shine when you step on the stage?
If you put into practice what you learn from “More Than the Crown,” you
will have not only a much more enjoyable time, but perhaps the
necessary edge on those who are trying to create it all from the
outside. The tools provided within these pages will not only make your
pageant days a success, but all the days and years that follow.
|
|
|
|
