Judging the Rodeo Queen Pageant - Personal Interviews
Originally published March 2, 2015 on the RodeoRoyalty.com Facebook Page by Bobbie Hinds. All Rights Reserved
The interview process allows contestants and judges to get to know each other and for judges to evaluate a contestant's knowledge, poise, maturity and the ability to communicate intelligently. This is not the time to grill the contestants and intimidate them, it is an opportunity to have a friendly conversation and to put them at ease.
Set the tone of the interview by being welcoming to the contestant as she enters the room. Make eye contact and acknowledge her with a smile and warm greeting. Be engaged with the process, she will feel if you would rather be somewhere else which will add to her nervousness. It is frustrating to contestants when judges play games with them such as turning the contestant chair around to face away from the judges. If you wouldn't do it in an interview for a professional position, don't do it in a rodeo queen interview.
Begin the interview with questions that allow her to relax. These "get to know you" questions can include information from her application such as "I see you are a member of your FFA Chapter. Tell us about your involvement." or "You're a student at Be a Success College, why did you choose this school?". As the interview progresses begin asking different types of questions including knowledge seeking questions (What three characteristics determine the severity of a bit? or How is the length of the barrier determined in the roping events?) and analysis questions (If you were in this situation how would you handle yourself? or A measure has been introduced to increase the state gas tax, how do you feel about this proposal?).
Be prepared with a set of questions that begin with the basics and go up the spectrum to difficult and thought provoking. Judges should come together before interviews begin to develop a list of six to eight standard questions to be asked to every contestant. Contestants should not be sharing information until the interviews are over, they are just hurting themselves if they do share the questions. By asking the same question you level the playing field and have a better idea of how each contestant compares to the other, much like taking the same math test in school. Take the time to look at the applications and develop a few questions specific to each contestant's activities, interests and accomplishments. If you need ideas for questions you will find a list of over 150 at this link: http://www.rodeoroyalty.com/sample-questions.html
During the interview you will get a feel for the amount of knowledge contestants have about rodeo and equine science. Tailor your questioning to their ability. If it is evident a contestant lacks knowledge about rodeo stop asking those questions and move on to a topic she is more comfortable with. You can also allow her to show her knowledge by asking open-ended questions such as "Tell us what you know about saddle bronc riding.". There is absolutely no need to make a contestant feel deflated because she lacks knowledge in an area, this should be an experience to help young women grow and gain confidence. Make note in your comments of her need to study but move on to a better suited topic. You can still be a tough judge without intimidating and scaring the contestants.
The rodeo queen interview allows judges to get to know contestants on a different level than watching them on stage answering questions. By being a prepared judge and by keeping an open, friendly attitude during the process everyone will enjoy the event and gain ever lasting life skills from the experience.
The interview process allows contestants and judges to get to know each other and for judges to evaluate a contestant's knowledge, poise, maturity and the ability to communicate intelligently. This is not the time to grill the contestants and intimidate them, it is an opportunity to have a friendly conversation and to put them at ease.
Set the tone of the interview by being welcoming to the contestant as she enters the room. Make eye contact and acknowledge her with a smile and warm greeting. Be engaged with the process, she will feel if you would rather be somewhere else which will add to her nervousness. It is frustrating to contestants when judges play games with them such as turning the contestant chair around to face away from the judges. If you wouldn't do it in an interview for a professional position, don't do it in a rodeo queen interview.
Begin the interview with questions that allow her to relax. These "get to know you" questions can include information from her application such as "I see you are a member of your FFA Chapter. Tell us about your involvement." or "You're a student at Be a Success College, why did you choose this school?". As the interview progresses begin asking different types of questions including knowledge seeking questions (What three characteristics determine the severity of a bit? or How is the length of the barrier determined in the roping events?) and analysis questions (If you were in this situation how would you handle yourself? or A measure has been introduced to increase the state gas tax, how do you feel about this proposal?).
Be prepared with a set of questions that begin with the basics and go up the spectrum to difficult and thought provoking. Judges should come together before interviews begin to develop a list of six to eight standard questions to be asked to every contestant. Contestants should not be sharing information until the interviews are over, they are just hurting themselves if they do share the questions. By asking the same question you level the playing field and have a better idea of how each contestant compares to the other, much like taking the same math test in school. Take the time to look at the applications and develop a few questions specific to each contestant's activities, interests and accomplishments. If you need ideas for questions you will find a list of over 150 at this link: http://www.rodeoroyalty.com/sample-questions.html
During the interview you will get a feel for the amount of knowledge contestants have about rodeo and equine science. Tailor your questioning to their ability. If it is evident a contestant lacks knowledge about rodeo stop asking those questions and move on to a topic she is more comfortable with. You can also allow her to show her knowledge by asking open-ended questions such as "Tell us what you know about saddle bronc riding.". There is absolutely no need to make a contestant feel deflated because she lacks knowledge in an area, this should be an experience to help young women grow and gain confidence. Make note in your comments of her need to study but move on to a better suited topic. You can still be a tough judge without intimidating and scaring the contestants.
The rodeo queen interview allows judges to get to know contestants on a different level than watching them on stage answering questions. By being a prepared judge and by keeping an open, friendly attitude during the process everyone will enjoy the event and gain ever lasting life skills from the experience.
