Pageant coaches are cracking their knuckles as they are ready to train finalists for the upcoming 2024 Miss Jamaica World and Mister World Jamaica competitions.

Pageant coaches Diane O’Bryan and Jermaine Dyer have been a part of the processes of getting the Miss Jamaica World ready for years, but now that the Mister World Jamaica competition is back for its eleventh edition, Miss O’Bryan will be at the helm in training the men this year.

Asked whether she harboured any anxiety about being tasked to train the men this year, O’Bryan told Our Today, “It will definitely be different because it’s men and women. It’s a very exciting new challenge because I have been doing it for a while and I must admit it does get competitive even though every contestant requires something different.”

“I think working with men is a challenge I’m excited about… it’s all about researching what’s trending… it’s also about teaching the contestant how to showcase their personalities and bring out their best selves on stage.” she added.

She also went into the intricacies of posing a man or woman on stage, “There are a lot of different things that you do in terms of how you position your body to show off your best assets.”

Meanwhile, O’Bryan expressed that she was ready and excited for the upcoming pageant season.

“I’m always excited to be a part of something that’s bigger than myself… it can be a thankless job… so I’m glad Dahlia [Harris] took the time out to highlight the coaches,” she said. “It feels really good to be a part of this, and I’m excited to help the men be their best selves.”

Fellow pageant coach, Jermaine Dyer shared in O’Bryan’s enthusiasm.

“Every year I’m excited because it is really about the female’s development,” he said, “Teaching them how to be the best versions of themselves and how to take up space.

I feel like so many women enter rooms, and my core thing is to let them know that they should enter being powerful, knowing exactly who you are.”

Dyer’s methods involved getting to know his trainees on a deeper level, stating that their mental health is of the utmost importance and ensuring their mental wellness was a key factor in ensuring their longevity and success.

“If you’re not fit mentally there’s nothing you can achieve,” he said. “I ensure that the girls or guys are mentally prepared…life happens to all of us, and so it’s really important to ensure that mentally they are their best selves and are able to transition into beautiful kings and queens.”

He also mentions using motivational quotes to get his trainees ready. Dyer’s focus on mental health is a fixed part of his training style, one which he values above all else, “Yes learning to walk is important… but so is mental health.”

As the five-week festival of event/recruitment begins on July 28, both coaches are motivated and geared up to do their part in the upcoming pageant season.