THE spoken word is to take on greater importance for contestants in the Miss Teen Bermuda Islands pageant this year.

While being attractive will always be an asset, organisers say they will be placing greater emphasis on contestants' ability to champion a cause and present it to an audience. Organisers feel it will not only improve the girls' articulation skills, but could fuel their interest in charity work.

"We're improving, or raising the bar a little," said pageant promoter Terry Smith. "This year, contestants will have to have a platform to champion. It could be road safety, it could be health issues such as teen pregnancy, safe sex or Aids, but each contestant has to enter with a specific issue in mind. I'd seen it on the Miss America pageant and thought (it enabled judges to get) a better feel for contestants. Usually, as it's something the contestant has a strong conviction about, they can present it in a better way than they would if they were just asked a question on the spot. The platform this year, will basically be what determines who the winner is."

On the night of the competition, all contestants will briefly present their chosen causes as they are introduced to judges and the audience. Only selected finalists, however, will be required to talk about their cause in detail.

"Finalists will be given time to present their platform to the audience and the judges," Mr. Smith said. "They can use visual displays but (the presentations) must be done in the time alloted. What we're looking for is the most well-rounded, the most consistent person to name as winner."

In order to be considered, contestants must be born Bermudians or residents of the island for at least six months, and may be no younger than 13 and no older than 16 on the night of the pageant. Each will undergo eight weeks of training in which they will learn about etiquette, grooming and public speaking. According to Mr. Smith, one of the most interesting aspects of the pageant is seeing how the contestants develop.

"It's interesting to see the change in the young ladies. By the end of their training, the personal development that each has undergone is evident. Even if it's only that they've learned how one should act in certain situations. They might not always choose to act that way, but they know the difference. For anyone interested in growing as an individual, it's a good experience.

"We have people from all walks of life, many of whose social parameters have been broadened through the pageant. It gives them the opportunity to meet with government officials, to go on social outings where they can practise their etiquette skills. For eight weeks, they get the benefit of a fashion camp which they don't have to pay for. The pageant is not just about physical beauty. With a declared interest, it will be easier to get the winner involved in community work that she enjoys."

The Miss Teen Bermuda Islands pageant will be held August 10th at the City Hall theatre. Deadline for entries is June 2nd. Application forms are available at the 27th Century Boutique, Upscale Fashions, Connections Boutique and La Trattoria Restaurant & Pizzeria. For more information, contact Mr. Smith at 234-6095, or, via e-mail at tlpnorthrock.bm.