One beautiful moment of NYSC orientation camp is Miss NYSC and Mr. Macho beauty pageant night. A lot of corp members await this time with much interest and expectations. For the contestants it is thing of mixed joys and worries. The days leading to the event is long a period of decision making, running around, DRESSING, preparations and anticipation for the platoon, by it members, and the platoon officials.
This article would cover the process leading to event and the event itself right to the end. It could be an eye opener or WINDOW for those who may choose to contest in the beauty pageant while in the camp. Although this article would focus on the female contestants for Miss NYSC the principles and process applies to the male contestants for the MR MACHO.
MISS & MR. NYSC SELECTION PROCESS
The contestants are picked one from each platoon. The selection process varies from platoon to platoon. Some platoons choose to nominate their representative from the set of ladies in their platoon, others ask interested ladies to come up and from the applicants they can vote for their best candidate. It could be disappointing when a platoon does not have beautiful girls who can compete favorably with other platoons. Too bad that happened in my platoon those days. We know she wasn’t beautiful and she was no better contender. Many of us lost hope even before the battle but we had no chose. Our relief and compensation came from our MR MACHO. ‘The guy grab’, he was the bomb! He even won the Mr. Macho for us.
MR & MISS NYSC PREPARATION
A lot of work goes into the preparation for the Miss NYSC contest. Platoon leaders and officials, especially the platoon director of socials is involved in choosing and supervising members in the platoon who are willing to help in the preparation of the Miss NYSC and Mr. Macho. The preparation would include hiring of traditional wears for the contestants, treating and making their hair, teaching them some IMPORTANT tips, treating their skin and more. In fact a lot of work, money and time cover the preparation of these contestants.
The officiating of the beauty pageant show usually includes the collaboration of the man-o-war crew and the OBS crew. They also work on setting the stage for the event, setting and getting the questions for the contest, getting sound system and others ready.
MISS & MR NYSC D-DAY
The beauty pageant show usually goes on in the night say about 9/10.00pm or so. The corp members arrive in troops for this event. The center is filled and teeming with anxious spectators. The cheers and the roaring that tears the air as the night unfolds are appealing. The M.C welcomes the audience and the stage for show is set rolling.
THE STAGES
The occasion usually plays out in stages. The stages I am about to enlist might not be serial in all camps but it is basically the about the same idea. At the beginning the M.C could lighten the mood with some joke cracks as much as he can, some corp members who can sing are also displayed. The judges are presented and before long the stage is set rolling.
STAGE1: WALK AROUND THE STAGE
The contestants are now being called out according to their platoons from platoon 1 to platoon 10. They all line up on the stage. Then in turns the begin to cat walk, pause, turn around through the arc of the stage to the great wowing or booing of the crowd depending on the performance of the contesting candidate.
STAGE 2: IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES
At this point the contestants line up forward to be asked to identify themselves. They say their name and the platoon they represent. Their answer to the question, the tone of voice, and their uniqueness in identifying themselves can spark the admiration of the on viewers or not.
STAGE 3: TRADITIONAL DISPLAY
At this stage the contending contestants come back in traditional wear.
They are expected to perform any traditional culture they have prepared maybe like dancing, playing an INSTRUMENT, singing or whatever they culture they can perform better.
STAGE 4: ASKING OF QUESTIONS
I think this is the scariest stage and a more determinant factor of the winner to be because you could floor all the beauty you have worked hard to display at this stage. This is the stage where the contestants are asked questions. There are usually about 10 questions likely on a number card. Each contestant picks a number and the question on the card is asked her. The questions borders on current affairs and some IMPORTANT facts about NYSC. Examples of such questions may include:
What are the core values of NYSC?
What is the name of your camp director?
Define one of the core values of NYSC?
What did you do in camp?
What is the name of the NYSC director general?
CLOSURE
The event would then begin to near it end. There could be interludes of singing, performance and dancing while the judges compile the result. The results are called bringing cheers to some and disappointment and accusing finger for others. The Miss NYSC then goes away with her award, then celebrations with his fans, picture taking and more, till everybody retires to bed.
17 TIPS TO SUCCEED IN MISS & MR NYSC
Smile, smile, SMILE!
Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more prepared you are, and the better you’ll do.
Know your current events and IMPORTANT subjects that are being discussed in the camp.
Even if you don’t get the crown, you’re a winner just for competing so if you don’t win, don’t feel like a loser.
Use the bathroom before the interview and before the show. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it.
Always maintain excellent posture. Shoulders back, chin parallel to the ground, and back straight, whether you’re sitting or standing.
Show your personality both in the interview and on the stage.
Keep your answers SHORT and concise. No one word answers, though.
Don’t compare yourself to other girls, because you’re only being judged on you.
It is good to exercise and eat well before a pageant, but there is no need to starve yourself because no matter what your size, your confidence and poise is what will carry you through the competition
The interview isn’t an interrogation, but rather a conversation where the judges can get to know you better.
While on stage, hold your head high and pretend that crown’s already on your head.
Scan the judges, scan the audience, and then once again, scan the judges.
If you find it difficult to look the judges in the eyes, look at their foreheads.
Remember – it isn’t the most talented girl who wins the talent competition. It’s who has the best stage presence.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in the interview if you don’t understand. The judges will be glad to clarify for you.
Last, but most certainly not least, have fun, and live those moments to the fullest.
source:nysc.ng