Charles J MargolisDid I Really Say That?: The Complete Pageant Interview Guide

I’ve competed twice in the USA System and grabbed this book before I switch to a new system for the first time. Must grab! Had taught me so many things that the internet, youtube, and other books haven’t mentioned before.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! This book has been my bible over the last several months and I've enjoyed it so much that I've read it a couple times. Each time, gaining more. This book was introduced to me when I decided to compete at my state pageant. It is a VERY easy read and it's design makes it interesting and enjoyable to read. The chapters are straight to point and his illustrations and interview tips are life changing if applied. I won my state title as Mrs Connecticut!!!! When I went on to compete at Mrs America, I read the book again and gained even more the second time around. I placed Top 10 and credit the skills learned in this book! This book is not only a wonderful guide for the pageant contestant but for anyone who wants to perfect their speaking skills, interpersonal skills, social skills, and simply just want be a "stand out" as soon as they start communicating. Recently, a co-worker complimented me and said she wanted to be as articulate and poised as I am while speaking......I bought her this book:-))

I just love this book. Although I have no aspirations to become a beauty pageant contestant, I now understand that I'm on stage every time "open my mouth". The techniques for positive communication don't take a genious to know, but do take a genuine person to successfully put together. Mr. Margolis' book, "Did I Really Say That?", is an example of, "do what I say and do what I do". While sitting in my dermatologist's examination room I was engrossed in reading this book. Upon entering, the doctor noticed my preoccupation and took the book out of my hands. He asked what I was reading while quickly flipping through pages. I'm not sure if he heard my answer, but within a minute he told me a story about his son's recent experience as a finalist at the FL State Level Science Fair. Dad taped his son's interview, and although his son won at that level, Dr "Dad" determined immediately that his son's interview would be far better at the Regional Level after exposure to, "Did I Really Say That?" Need I say more?

No pageant contestant should compete without the advantages offered by Mr. Margolis' successful, proven methods for interview preparation. This is a bible for the novice contestant as well as the experienced competitor. Each of the many chapters begins with an interesting or memorable quote and ends with an insightful interview tip. There are numerous sample questions and answer tutorials, and practice questions to ponder. His positive, sensible advice is compelling: "Learn a little bit about a lot of different things. Develop a few talking points for each. This is a pageant interview, not Meet the Press." And, "The goal of every contestant is to communicate as much information about herself as possible. The great thing is that no one is better equipped to this; you are the foremost expert on yourself!"But this body of work is much more than a mere guide for pageant contestants. It would be profitable for anyone facing an important interview or speaking engagement to apply and benefit from the valuable lessons and practical guidance offered by Mr. Margolis.

Reading this book gave me the opportunity for much self-reflection and what a positive experience that can be! Whether you are interviewing for a job or college, have to make speak in front of the public or perhaps looking to compete in a pageant, this book will give you the chance to help you sort through your thoughts, your experiences and help you realize how unique and wonderful you are. Being prepared, while remaining sincere is a skill, and Charlie's book helps readers to develop public speaking skills that will help you feel confident and poised. I love the simple format, the short and to the point chapters, as well as his stories of experience and wisdom. This book will no doubt give you the edge you're looking for to succeed!

I usually excel in interviews in my career and in school, but after participating in my first pageant I learned that I was ill-prepared for pageant interview. Being able to express yourself in 2 minutes and allowing the judges to have a snapshot of who you are is truly an art. For the following year, I knew that I needed to learn this art. Reading “Did I really say that” gave me the extra confidence and the competitive edge to increase my interview score tremendously, after all the woman who exudes confidence during their interview will do well. This book should be a part of every pageant girl’s repertoire! Dalila May

Having worked along side Charles Margolis for several years in the field of education, I have seen first-hand how he can bring forth each student's potential. I also worked with him for several years in field of pageant preparation and saw him turn shy young women into self-assured competitors. Charles is a master in the area of interview preparation. You don't have to be a pageant contestant to learn from this book. Charlie's advice applies to all types of interview preparation. Never have a seen such an easy reading book be so informative. This book is a must have for your personal library.

I've only read half of the book so far, but I can already tell it's an amazing book that'll help me with my pageant coming up. So I won't spoil the book for those who haven't bought the book yet, it tells you everything to need to know to prepare for a pageant with inspiring quotes and footnotes to make sure to understand every section in the book. There is honestly nothing to dislike about the book and I would recommend this to everyone interested in pageantry or public speaking in general!