Practice walking in your shoes prior to the pageant. Anyone can stumble while walking in high heels on an unfamiliar stage. When you are intent on making eye contact with judges, trips and missteps are bound to happen. Scuff the soles of your shoes prior to the pageant to avoid slipping. If you do stumble while on stage, try not to react. Remain poised and the judges are more likely to overlook your mistake.
Prevent wardrobe malfunctions. Inspect every garment you plan to wear in the pageant. If your swimsuit bottom rides up, stick it down with spray adhesive or double sided tape. If your evening gown gaps open to show too much cleavage, have it taken in to fit your bust properly. Have someone watch your talent act to make sure your costume does not reveal more than you intend.
Think before you speak. Even if you are stunningly beautiful and walk like an angel, you can ruin it all by seeming air-headed or unintelligent in your interview. Compose your thoughts before answering and speak slowly and clearly so that your words don't get ahead of you.
Rehearse your talent number diligently. Nerves can wreck a performance of any type. Forgotten lyrics and missed notes or dance steps are a sure sign of a nervous, unprepared contestant. Practice your act until it is second nature so that when performing under pressure you can focus on your stage presence and not the technical aspects of your talent.
Win or lose graciously. It is not difficult to be sincere and genuine when you win. Keep a good attitude when you lose. Remain calm and keep a smile on your face. Acting obviously disappointed or crying onstage is embarrassing and shows a lack of poise. Wait until you are alone to experience your disappointment in the outcome of the beauty pageant.