Michaela Abelgas is the reigning National American Miss andscored a perfect score in interview. If you want to succeed at NAMlisten to this podcast to learn how. Want a preview? Here are some of the questions that we askedher:How did you mentally prepare to compete on the nationalstage? What tips do you have for others to mentally prepare?Do you tend to get nervous before competing? What tips do you have for girls to help them calm theirnerves? What do you do just before going on stage to get you pumped up andready?What is your advice to girls on choosing their eveninggown? What about modeling pace and eye contact? Are there certain styles/colors that tend to do well? What are the judges looking for?Give us a quick overview of the personal introduction. What keypoints should be included in the intro? What is the best way to catch the attention of the judges duringthis area of competition? You had a perfect NAM interview score! How can someone impress thejudges in such a short amount of time? What is the best way to prepare? What types of questions should a contestant be preparedfor? What if you recommend if you can’t answer a question or your mindgoes blank? What are your tips for interview attire?NAM also has optional competitions. You brought home 5 nationaloptional titles: Casual Wear Modeling, Photogenic, Top Model, MostPromising Model, and Fashion Model. Does competing in optionalshelp ease nerves before competing in the required areas ofcompetition? How does modeling style vary by optional? How does attire vary by optional? What do the judges want to see?What do you feel set you apart from the rest of the contestants andhelped you win NAM? With so many contestants, what can girls do to standout? What is your best advice you want to give to all the girls outthere hoping to wear the NAM crown?What is one item under $20 that you feel is a must have at anypageant?