USA NATIONAL SCORING
The Miss Earth USA competition consists of multiple categories designed to select the most well-rounded national representatives. Categories model after international expectations of the Miss Earth competition as well as desired attributes of winners. The judging panel is announced in the weeks prior to the competition, consisting of experienced and unbiased members of the Communication, Entertainment, Fitness, Beauty, and/or Business fields.
Most heavily weighted categories:
Interview, Evening Gown, Swimwear
Less heavily weighted categories:
Environmental Project, Photogenic, Social Media, Public Speaking, Runway
INTERVIEW
Each delegate will have a panel interview lasting 3-4 minutes. This is the chance for the judges to get to know each delegate personally. The judges will not have a bio; instead, each delegate will have approximately 30 seconds to introduce herself to the judging panel at the onset of the interview. Delegates should wear her own choice of professional and trendy dress, skirt set, or pant set. State sashes will be worn. Each delegate will be judged on her ability to fulfill a titleholder’s responsibilities. Judges will assign a score based on communication skills, personality, personal appearance, sense of accomplishment, and goals within her title. Delegates will not be scored on their opinions or personal beliefs.
SWIMWEAR
Delegates will wear her own choice of one or two-piece swimwear. Delegate should provide her own nude, clear or crystal/rhinestone stilettos. Each delegate will be evaluated on her overall physical health and lifestyle. She will be judged on her level of confidence necessary to be a titleholder. Judges will assign a score based on the delegate’s physical fitness, confidence, composure, and display of drive, energy and charisma.
EVENING GOWN
Each delegate will wear her own choice of evening gown, which must touch the floor and must be age appropriate. Each delegate will be assessed on her poise, grace, and commanding stage presence. Each delegate will be judged on her total look. Judges will assign a score based on the delegate’s beauty, carriage and grace, personality, and stage presence, as well as her sense of style.
RUNWAY
Delegates will wear a designer piece that is provided by the organization. Each delegate will be assessed on her poise, personality, and commanding stage presence. Judges will not score based on the wardrobe selection. Score is based on the contestant’s beauty, carriage, personality, and overall stage presence.
PHOTOGENIC
Delegates will submit an official headshot prior to the competition which may not have hands covering the face and may not include a crown or sash. Each delegate will be assessed on her natural beauty in this photograph. The Photogenic category will be scored only after the Interview, allowing the judge to compare face-to-face beauty as well. Judges will assign a score based on the delegate's photo beauty, in-person beauty, healthy appearance (skin, hair, nails, teeth), and sense of style.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Each delegate is provided a Facebook title fanpage. She will be assessed on her quality of posts, relevancy and engagement with her fanbase during the months of June and July. Twitter and Instagram tools may also be used. A multimedia sponsor will assign a score based on these attributes.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT
During the month of June, delegates are required to take on a major role with an environmental activity in their community. This may be planning a clean up, speaking to a school or community center, producing a video, or participating in a nationwide service day. More information will be issued to delegates in the spring. Judges will assign a score based on completion and documentation of the project.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Delegates will give a two to three minute stage presentation on why she should be selected as a national ambassador. She may use props that are easy to take on and off stage, but no signage or powerpoint displays. Each delegate will wear the same attire worn during interview. State sashes will be worn. Judges will assign a score based on the delegate’s speaking skills, confidence, memorization, posture, knowledge of issues, and overall impact. A separate judging panel will be used for public speaking. All speeches will be livestreamed to the public.
ON-STAGE QUESTION
Each delegate in the Top 4 will be asked one question while wearing her evening gown. The answer should be approximately 30 seconds. The same question will be asked in each division. Scoring will be based on this answer combined with the judge's overall impression of the delegate throughout the competition. The delegate must be charismatic, articulate, impactful, able to handle the pressure of large crowds, and must answer the question asked.