When the Impromptu Isn't Impromptu
More often than not rodeo queen pageants include at least one impromptu question in which contestants are quizzed on a variety of topics. This question may be related to rodeo, to information on their bio, or current events. The object of this portion of the judging is to observe a contestant's ability to think on her feet and to showcase her knowledge. As a reigning titleholder you will be put on the spot many times throughout your reign, especially if you are actively out and about promoting the rodeo you represent. While you cannot be prepared for every question that is thrown at you there are certainly questions which will be common place and you should be prepared to answer them. Unfortunately I'm often disappointed at how unprepared many titleholders are to answer these types of questions. Here are five questions that are commonly asked of titleholders and a suggestion on how you may answer them.
1. What did you have to do to become Miss Rodeo Fantabulous? - The Miss Rodeo Fantabulous pageant is judged in the three main areas of Appearance, Horsemanship and Personality. Our appearance and personality were judged during every portion of the pageant which included a personal interview with the judges, modeling during a fashion show, answering impromptu questions, photogenics and the presentation of a prepared speech on "Why I Want to be Miss Rodeo Fantabulous". For horsemanship we demonstrated our riding skills with two set patterns, a queen's run and we had to show we could carry a flag on our horse.
2. Tell us a little bit about yourself. - I am the 19-year old daughter of Jane and John Rodeofan from Mayberry and I attend Wonderful University where I'm studying Astrophysiology. I've been riding for many years and this is the third title I've held. When I'm not riding or competing in rodeos I enjoy reading, gymnastics and gardening.
3. What all have you done during your reign as Miss Rodeo Superfantastic? - This year has been so much fun for me. I've attended many area events including the Snickerdoodle parade, the grand opening of Wally's Wonderful Tack Store and rode in the grand entry of several nearby rodeos, plus I've visited with residents of nursing homes, patients in hospitals and read to many school children in their classrooms.
4. When I come out to the rodeo tonight, what all will I see? When you come out to the 42nd Annual Incredible Rodeo tonight you'll see some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the region competing in a variety of events. The roughstock riders will be showing off their skills in the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding and the timed event cowboys will be pitting their skills against quick calves and steers in the tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling. The ladies will be competing in the fast and exciting barrel racing. Plus there's the rodeo clowns and our specialty act is Out-of-this-World Bob and his Out-of-this-World Water Buffaloes. Come out early to grab dinner at the cook shack and if you like to dance stay after for a concert by Cow Patty. If you can't make tonight's performance or if you just can't get enough rodeo action there will be three other performances, Thursday starting at 7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. Plus don't forget to attend the rodeo parade downtown starting at 9 am on Saturday morning.
5. You've traveled alot this year as Miss Awesome Rodeo, what was your favorite event to attend? I went to so many places this year that it's hard to pick just one. At the Wild West Fest in Anytown we were treated to airplane rides and I really enjoyed visiting with the children at the Children's Hospital in Startown. Of course, every rodeo I've attended has been packed with memorable moments that I will always treasure.
In addition to the above questions you can count on being asked specific questions about the rodeo you are attending/representing. Before going to the rodeo visit their website and learn all you can about the rodeo - How many years has it been put on? Who are the organizers? When are the performance times? What specialty acts will visitors see? Who is the announcer/barrel man/rodeo clown? When are the performances? What time are the performances? How much are tickets and where can they be purchased? Any special facts about the stock contractor/stock/cowboys (ie - World Champions, awards won, etc.)? While you may not know everything, the basics are a must.
1. What did you have to do to become Miss Rodeo Fantabulous? - The Miss Rodeo Fantabulous pageant is judged in the three main areas of Appearance, Horsemanship and Personality. Our appearance and personality were judged during every portion of the pageant which included a personal interview with the judges, modeling during a fashion show, answering impromptu questions, photogenics and the presentation of a prepared speech on "Why I Want to be Miss Rodeo Fantabulous". For horsemanship we demonstrated our riding skills with two set patterns, a queen's run and we had to show we could carry a flag on our horse.
2. Tell us a little bit about yourself. - I am the 19-year old daughter of Jane and John Rodeofan from Mayberry and I attend Wonderful University where I'm studying Astrophysiology. I've been riding for many years and this is the third title I've held. When I'm not riding or competing in rodeos I enjoy reading, gymnastics and gardening.
3. What all have you done during your reign as Miss Rodeo Superfantastic? - This year has been so much fun for me. I've attended many area events including the Snickerdoodle parade, the grand opening of Wally's Wonderful Tack Store and rode in the grand entry of several nearby rodeos, plus I've visited with residents of nursing homes, patients in hospitals and read to many school children in their classrooms.
4. When I come out to the rodeo tonight, what all will I see? When you come out to the 42nd Annual Incredible Rodeo tonight you'll see some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the region competing in a variety of events. The roughstock riders will be showing off their skills in the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding and the timed event cowboys will be pitting their skills against quick calves and steers in the tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling. The ladies will be competing in the fast and exciting barrel racing. Plus there's the rodeo clowns and our specialty act is Out-of-this-World Bob and his Out-of-this-World Water Buffaloes. Come out early to grab dinner at the cook shack and if you like to dance stay after for a concert by Cow Patty. If you can't make tonight's performance or if you just can't get enough rodeo action there will be three other performances, Thursday starting at 7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. Plus don't forget to attend the rodeo parade downtown starting at 9 am on Saturday morning.
5. You've traveled alot this year as Miss Awesome Rodeo, what was your favorite event to attend? I went to so many places this year that it's hard to pick just one. At the Wild West Fest in Anytown we were treated to airplane rides and I really enjoyed visiting with the children at the Children's Hospital in Startown. Of course, every rodeo I've attended has been packed with memorable moments that I will always treasure.
In addition to the above questions you can count on being asked specific questions about the rodeo you are attending/representing. Before going to the rodeo visit their website and learn all you can about the rodeo - How many years has it been put on? Who are the organizers? When are the performance times? What specialty acts will visitors see? Who is the announcer/barrel man/rodeo clown? When are the performances? What time are the performances? How much are tickets and where can they be purchased? Any special facts about the stock contractor/stock/cowboys (ie - World Champions, awards won, etc.)? While you may not know everything, the basics are a must.
