Let's chat real quick about the Rule of Three's. This is my unofficial title for how to properly show skin in a way that's not only classy and sophisticated but tasteful and alluring in such an undeniable way.

While getting ready to head into the Chicago Auto Show, it dawned on me that some people did not learn about this rule when it comes to getting dressed and I think it's such an good old folks rule that still hold true today.

In this bonus episode of The Power of Presentation Series, let's dive more into how to show skin in a way that's not off putting but rather a true test in how to be a fashionista.

Learn more about how to craft your message and your branding via The Book of Beauty now available! Click here to learn more about developing your unique agenda to wow the judges and convince them to give you the crown!

In Part II of The Power of Presentation, Brett Brooks breaks down how your wardrobe shapes first impressions before you ever say a word.

This short coaching episode teaches pageant contestants how to draw inspiration from Fall 2026 fashion weeks, international designers, and Pinterest to build looks that feel confident, current, and unmistakably you.

Because presence isn’t just energy — it’s style.

The Power of Presentation – Mastering Perception in Pageantry

In pageantry, your introduction happens long before you ever speak.

In this episode of Pageants & Prosecco, we dive into the power of presentation and how mastering perception can completely change the way you’re received the moment you walk into pageant weekend, the interview room, rehearsal, or the ballroom.

I break down what it truly means to show up internally and physically — from confidence and mindset, to posture, skin care, fitness, and even why investing in quality shapewear (yes, spandex!) can elevate how you carry yourself in every outfit.

We will talk about:

• Why your first impression is formed in seconds

• How posture silently communicates confidence and authority

• Simple ways to improve your skin for a polished, healthy glow

• The role consistent workouts play in stage presence (not just body type)

• Why presentation isn’t “vain” — it’s strategic

Your appearance is your non-verbal résumé. Before a judge ever hears your platform or your story, they’ve already received a message from how you walk, stand, smile, and style yourself.

Studies show people form first impressions in as little as 7 seconds, and over 50% of that impression is based on visual cues alone. In pageantry, that makes your look more than just aesthetics — it’s communication. It’s branding. It’s credibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how to command a room without saying a word, this episode is your blueprint.

Perfect for contestants preparing for competition season, women rebranding themselves, and anyone who wants to learn how to walk into a room already winning.

Your gown might be flawless… but a bad interview can cost you the crown.

In this episode of Pageants & Prosecco, pageant coach and titleholder Brett Brooks breaks down the most common pageant interview mistakes that cost contestants points — and how to fix them with proven public speaking techniques.

You’ll learn how to structure winning pageant interview answers, avoid sounding rehearsed or robotic, stop rambling under pressure, and confidently communicate your platform and personal story to judges. Brett also shares practical pageant coaching tips to help contestants improve confidence, posture, voice control, and overall interview performance.

Whether you’re preparing for your first pageant or competing at the state or national level, this episode provides actionable pageant interview coaching, public speaking advice, and contestant preparation strategies to help you stand out and score higher in the interview room.

Perfect for:

• Pageant contestants

• Aspiring titleholders

• Pageant interview coaching clients

• Anyone looking to improve pageant confidence and communication skills

Is 2026 your to officially enter in your first pageant?

Or are you coming back into the game after a brief retirement?

Either way here is an episode about all the things I wish I knew before I competed in my very first pageant.

I am talking about hair, coaching, finances directors choosing a system, knowing how to choose a system and how to style myself.

Another bite-size episode for you guys here on Pageant and Prosecco, the podcast. I hope you enjoy!

Follow Pageants and Prosecco the podcast on both Instagram and Facebook!

Pageants are more than crowns and gowns — they’re strategy, confidence, resilience, and growth.

In this kickoff episode, host Brett Brooks reintroduces Pageants & Prosecco and sets the tone for what’s to come: real conversations about the pageant world, from preparation and mindset to navigating competition, coaching, and finding your voice on and off the stage.

Whether you’re a contestant, coach, director, or simply pageant-curious, this podcast is your space to learn, grow, and sip a little prosecco while doing it.

Welcome to the journey to 100 episodes — let’s get into it. 👑

✨ YouTube Description — “Being Black in Pageants” Episode

Stepping on a pageant stage as a Black woman comes with its own beauty, brilliance — and battles. In this episode, we break down what it really means to navigate the pageant world while Black: from unspoken biases and Eurocentric standards, to the moments of triumph, representation, and legacy that continue to shape the industry today.

Whether you're a contestant, coach, fan, or just curious about the culture of pageantry, this conversation pulls back the crown and gives you the real, unfiltered truth.

🎙 What We Cover in This Episode

• The history and evolution of Black women in major pageant systems

• Implicit bias and why representation on judging panels matters

• The pressure to “fit the look” vs. embracing cultural identity

• Natural hair, skin tone politics, and colorism on stage

• Winning strategies Black contestants use to stand out

• Why 2019’s “Year of the Black Queens” changed everything

• Personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs

• How Black women continue to redefine global beauty standards

  
  

  👑 Why This Episode Matters

  Pageantry is more than a crown — it’s politics, culture, visibility, and storytelling. Black women have been breaking barriers for decades, and their contributions deserve center stage. This episode is part celebration, part cultural critique, and part guide for the next generation of Black beauty queens.

What are we doing here??

Why on Earth is a NATIONAL Director calling anyone "dumb" better yet a NATIONAL contestant? This has got to stop and is such a bigger issue in the pageant industry.

I went LIVE on Facebook to speak out—honestly and unfiltered—about what’s happening behind the scenes at the pageant world and why the recent clash between Fátima Bosch (Miss Mexico) and Nawat Itsaragrisil — at the Miss Universe orientation event — isn’t just a one-off scandal. It’s a symptom of systemic issues many of us competitors have lived through or witnessed first hand.

As someone who:

• Has competed multiple times, watched how pageants are run (and sometimes mis-run)

• Has held titles, dealt with the reality of behind-the-camera politics

• Works in media, creation, and pageantry (so I see both sides)

…I break down:
✔ What went down at Miss Universe 2025 and why it matters for all women in pageants
✔ My personal experiences with poorly-run pageants: missed promises, respect issues, transparency gaps
✔ Why this moment should be a turning point for how we talk about dignity, leadership, and empowerment in pageantry
✔ How I believe contestants, organizers, and fans can demand better — and how I’m using my platform to lead that change

If you’re in the pageant world (competitor, coach, fan, organizer) or interested in the intersection of beauty, media, and empowerment, this video is for you. I’m positioning myself as a voice YOU can trust — because I’ve been in it, I’ve seen it, and I’m refusing to stay silent.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell for more insights: pageant strategy, behind-the-scenes content, media tips, and how to level up in competitions and brand building.
👍 If you find value here, drop a like, leave a comment
Connect with me on Instagram & Threads @pageantsandprosecco

#MissUniverse2025 #PageantLeadership #PageantLife

Get to know former Ms. Italy World Universal Malissa as she discusses violence against women, mental health and healing from trauma. As a professional social worker, mental health therapist, and specialist in narcissistic abuse and sex therapy, Malissa is deeply committed to addressing these critical issues. Her experience as a former instructor and best-selling author has shaped her mission to empower others through education and support.

It's time we have a real and true discussion about the role politics plays when it comes to pageantry.

In some aspects, leaning on our local politicians can be good to help advance our advocacy work while being a titleholder. However, in other ways aligning yourself with a candidate can look terrible for optics. So where is the line? and how do we move forward in such an uncontrollable political climate where bias can be formed just for posing in a picture with certain politicians?

Grab your glasses and let's unpack this...

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