I've been thinking a lot lately about the interview portion of competition.

This is actually my favorite part of competition, which is really kind of silly because it's the ONE phase of competition that audience members don't see. But I love it, and here's why.

I truly believe that a pageant can be won and lost in the interview room. And I think that's great. If you look at the job of Miss America (or even a Miss State or Miss Local), the one thing they do the most of during their year of service is talk and/or interact with people. That skill is integral to the job.

In the past, when I have had the privilege of judging pageants, I have loved the interview portion the best. You can really get to know a contestant in those few minutes and it sets a really great tone for the rest of the pageant.

Because I love interview so much, and because I am SO looking forward to the 2011 Miss America pageant, I spent some time today daydreaming about the kinds of questions I hope are asked in the 2011 interviews.

Some people love current events questions and things of a more political nature. Those questions are great, and of course Miss America should be well-versed in her own political beliefs and current events. But I don't think those kinds of questions really allow you to get to know a contestant.

I always like asking contestants how they got started in pageantry and what they have enjoyed so far about their year of service. Of course, the four points are a big deal to me (no surprise there) so I like to ask about them, as well.

I would love for the judges to ask the 2011 contestants questions that are salient to the job of Miss America: do you think you can handle yourself in a press conference? How much have you traveled? Are you familiar with the accomplishments of past Miss Americas - and what are the things YOU would like to accomplish as Miss America?

I would love to know what YOUR favorite phase of competition is!

And also, what interview questions would YOU ask the 2011 contestants?