afokkema4u
- 11
What to Do About Talking Guests?
- Thread starter afokkema4u
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread explores strategies for managing talkative guests during cooking demonstrations. Participants share their personal experiences and techniques for maintaining focus and engagement during their presentations.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant mentions trying to focus on the task and block out distractions, suggesting involving the audience to redirect attention.
- Another participant shares a technique learned at a conference, using clapping to regain attention and suggesting a time limit for the demonstration.
- A participant identifies as a consultant and describes using humor and teacher-like tactics to engage guests and regain focus.
- One participant expresses appreciation for the idea of using numbered recipe steps on cards to involve guests more actively.
- Another participant notes that treating adults like children can feel rude, suggesting inviting talkative guests to participate in the demonstration to keep them engaged.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the best approach to managing talkative guests, with some participants favoring humor and engagement, while others express concern about treating adults in a patronizing manner.
Contextual Notes
Participants share experiences from various cooking demonstrations, highlighting the challenges of maintaining attention in a social setting.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for strategies to handle distractions during their cooking demonstrations may find these shared experiences relevant.
Admin Greg
Staff member
- 9,547
Yes it that can be very distracting and rude. The best you can do is try to focus on you task, try to block them out. Or you can get your audience involved in your demonstration which will hopefully draw those talker's attention back to you. Good luck!afokkema4u said:What do you guys do when you have guests that just won't stop talking during your demonstration?
Sallie_M
- 253
Talking GuestsI struggle with rude guests a lot. There are several different things I learned at conference and listening to our tapes.
Say softly "If you can hear me now, clap once" (or put your finger on your nose). If not everyone claps, do it again a little louder with "clap twice". I have not had to go to 3 times yet. Then I follow up with, "if you can give me about 10 (or whatever) more minutes, my demo will be over; we can all chat while we eat."
For getting guests more involved, copy the recipe in numbered steps on several large index cards (one step per card). Hand them out to people (especially repeat guests that you know talk a lot!). Tell them you will be calling out the numbers and they will have to come up to help.
If this is a major problem in one particular group, try an express show where the bulk of your cooking is done when people get there. Put some items out for people to play with, give some tips, answer questions, feed 'em, collect your orders and go home.
Say softly "If you can hear me now, clap once" (or put your finger on your nose). If not everyone claps, do it again a little louder with "clap twice". I have not had to go to 3 times yet. Then I follow up with, "if you can give me about 10 (or whatever) more minutes, my demo will be over; we can all chat while we eat."
For getting guests more involved, copy the recipe in numbered steps on several large index cards (one step per card). Hand them out to people (especially repeat guests that you know talk a lot!). Tell them you will be calling out the numbers and they will have to come up to help.
If this is a major problem in one particular group, try an express show where the bulk of your cooking is done when people get there. Put some items out for people to play with, give some tips, answer questions, feed 'em, collect your orders and go home.
ChefMe
- 1
Act Like a TeacherBoth my director and my advanced director are former school teachers, so I learned from the very beginning to act like a school teacher ie "Is this something the two of you can share with the group?" or I clap my hands and say "There is going to be a quiz on this later!" I find both these remarks get a laugh and then people actually are listening to me. I find this works with all groups especially with teachers!! Another trick I use is that I will clap my hands loudly and then say " I am supposed to be the center of attention" while I am pointing at myself. Again, this gets a laugh, and then I AM the center of attention!!
jmabner
- 90
AdultsI have had several rowdy bunches at my kitchen shows, but they are adults and to talk to them like school children seems very rude. I know that the people who come to my shows want to have fun, so if I feel like they are getting distracted, I let them join in. Find the person who is getting loud and invite them up to grate the cheese, or to use the can opener. They love using the products in the show and quite often they buy the product for themselves!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a guest dominates the conversation during a party?
If a guest is dominating the conversation, gently redirect the discussion by acknowledging their input and then inviting others to share their thoughts. You might say, "That's a great point, [Guest's Name]! I'd love to hear what others think about this too." This encourages participation from everyone and helps balance the conversation.
How can I engage quieter guests when talking guests are present?
To engage quieter guests, make a conscious effort to include them in the conversation. You can ask open-ended questions directed at them, such as, "What do you think about this recipe, [Guest's Name]?" This invites their input and encourages them to share their thoughts without feeling pressured.
What techniques can I use to manage a talkative guest without offending them?
To manage a talkative guest, use polite body language and verbal cues to signal that it's time to move on. You can say something like, "Thank you for sharing, [Guest's Name]! Those are some great insights. Now, let's hear from someone else." This acknowledges their contribution while gently steering the conversation in a new direction.
How can I keep the energy up if a guest is monopolizing the discussion?
If a guest is monopolizing the discussion, try to keep the energy up by introducing interactive elements, such as a quick game or a cooking demonstration. This shifts the focus away from the talkative guest and engages everyone in a fun activity, helping to create a more dynamic atmosphere.
What should I do if a guest's comments are off-topic?
If a guest's comments veer off-topic, politely steer the conversation back by acknowledging their point and then linking it back to the main topic. You might say, "That's an interesting perspective, [Guest's Name]. Speaking of that, let's get back to our discussion about the new products we're showcasing today." This keeps the focus on the event while being respectful of their input.
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