Judges want to meet a happy, confident child, not hear a speech. These are the questions young contestants hear most, with a tip where it helps.
How to practice
Read the question aloud and let your child answer in their own words.
Aim for 20 to 30 seconds: a sentence or two and one detail.
Practice a few at a time, a few times a week. Short and fun beats long and drilled.
Don't script answers. Memorized answers sound memorized; real ones sound like your child.
30 questions to practice
Tell us about yourself.Name, age, grade and one thing you love. That's a great answer.
What is your favorite thing to do after school?Say what it is and why you like it.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?The 'why' is the best part.
Who is your hero?It can be someone in your family, a teacher, or someone from a book.
What is your favorite book or story? Why do you like it?
What makes you happy?
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?Add one fun reason.
What is your favorite subject in school?
What is something you are really good at?It's okay to be proud. Say it with a smile.
What is something you are learning to do right now?
What makes a good friend?
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
What is the nicest thing someone has done for you?
What is something kind you have done for someone else?Tell it like a tiny story: what happened and how it felt.
Why did you want to be in this pageant?
What would you do if you won today?
What is your favorite food?Easy question: answer with a smile and one detail.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?Pick one and say how you'd use it to help.
What do you like best about your town?
What is your favorite season? Why?
Tell us about a time you were brave.
If you could meet any character from a book or movie, who would it be?
What is one thing you could teach a younger kid?
What do you do when you feel nervous?Judges love an honest answer here.
What is your favorite song to sing or dance to?
How do you help out at home?
What is the best day you can remember?
What do you like to do outside?
What would you put in a time capsule?
Onstage questions for kids
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or not, who would it be?
Describe yourself in three words.
If you could teach everyone in the world one thing, what would it be?
What is your superpower?
What is one thing every child should have?
What would you say to someone who's afraid to try something new?
What makes a good leader?
What are you grateful for today?
What does kindness look like in everyday life?
Who inspires you, and why?
What makes your town special?
Little ones (under 6)
Most pageants don't interview contestants this young. When there is a question, it's usually as simple as "What's your name?" or "What's your favorite color?" Practice saying their name, age and one favorite thing with a big smile. That's the whole goal. The emcee usually reads an introduction you write, so keep it short and true: name, age, and two or three things they love.
Practice with a plan. Pageant Prep gives Bombyhead families a to-do list for their pageant, a packing list, a People's Choice share kit and practice tools for your child. Free with an account.