The ten contestants preparing to compete in the upcoming 2013 TCI Top Model Contest received additional training in the run up to this country’s most coveted title event!
Mrs Oneika Simons-Rigby, Marketing Executive for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board presented a workshop on Being an Effective Spokesmodel and a Strong Brand Ambassador. Mrs Simons-Rigby informed the Contestants that a spokesmodel is defined as a spokesperson whose physical appearance contributes to brand equity. “The way you present yourself, the way you are received by the market directly influences the perception, acceptance, loyalty and value that is shared with the brand you represent.”
Simons-Rigby went on to add that: “A spokesmodel or a brand ambassador, is a person hired to drive consumer demand for the product by directly interacting with existing and potential consumers; increasing brand and product awareness; providing product information that will make it more appealing; creating an association in the consumer’s mind between the brand and its primary message.”
Talisha Simons, a public relations professional with experience ranging from television and radio broadcasting to community and public relations, gave a presentation on Life In The Media: under the public gaze. Focusing on media interviewing, the Corporate Communications Officer for ForitsTCI informed the ladies that media interviews could be a nerve-racking experience. “Often times spokespeople botch interview opportunities by making the wrong comments, causing serious damage to their company or brand. However, if you prepare yourself, be knowledgeable about your subject areas, take your time when speaking, and know what topics to avoid, you can make a good interview.”
Simons, formerly a news Anchor and news reporter/writer for PTV channel 8 went on to give tips for a good interview. She informed them that they must set goals for every appearance; know that nothing is 100% off the record and that what you say may get used; pay close attention to your body language and that of the interviewer; ensure that you present yourself well; stay on track by sticking to your message; and most importantly, always find a way to share take-away points that you want the reporter, and, by extension, the audience to walk away thinking about.
Of the workshop, Simons stated: “I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of life in the media and providing tips that these young ladies can make use of during their TCI Top Model journey. Embracing every opportunity to gain specific skills, mastering how best to present yourself, while staying true to who you are in a contest such as this one, is key to winning the title.”
Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer of the TCI Top Model Contest said: “The additional workshops were fundamentally important, as the winner of the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest will also be the Digicel TCI Brand Ambassador for a year. These workshops, along with that which they underwent beforehand – will go a long way into building their intellectual capacity – whether they stay in fashion or wherever life takes them. It is our endeavour to assist with the development of well rounded individuals.”
The 2013 TCI Top Model Contest themed Royele Couture: LUXE will be held at the Williams Auditorium in Providenciales on Saturday, May 4th – seeing to the catwalk competition, performances by Barbara Johnson, Julian Garland, Carl Lewis, among a host of other high end entertainers, fashion designers and boutiques making presentations. Tickets are currently available for purchase – VIP $75 and General Admission – $50. Persons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance of the Contest, as it will be an additional $10 more at the door.
For more information or to purchase tickets – call 649.344.2502, visit www.tcitopmodel.com or email: tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tcitopmodel or follow us on Twitter – @tcistopmodel
