Help With the "Downtime" During a Show

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores experiences and strategies related to managing downtime during cooking shows. Participants share their challenges and various approaches to engaging guests while preparing food.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in maintaining conversation while chopping or cutting during a show, suggesting that involving guests in using tools might help.
  • Another participant shares that allowing guests to prepare the recipe makes it easier to discuss the benefits of the tools and enhances the fun of the experience.
  • One participant mentions that they prepare most ingredients ahead of time to minimize downtime and engage guests by asking questions about their favorite tools.
  • A participant identifies that training new consultants to talk about their kitchen activities can ease the transition into engaging with guests during shows.
  • Several users suggest creating "Did you know..." cards to prompt conversation and keep guests engaged during slower moments.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of practicing talking while cooking to improve comfort and flow during shows.
  • Another participant notes that interactive shows, where guests are involved in the cooking process, lead to a smoother experience.
  • A participant shares that using tips from a cooking book has become a regular part of their demo routine, providing fresh content for each show.
  • One participant mentions asking guests about their favorite Pampered Chef products to spark conversation during downtime.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods to manage downtime, with some participants advocating for guest involvement while others focus on preparation and conversation prompts. No clear consensus emerges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and techniques that have worked for them in their shows, reflecting a variety of styles and approaches to engaging audiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on how to enhance guest interaction and manage downtime during cooking demonstrations may find this discussion beneficial.

Cooking_Mama
Cooking_Mama
Messages
57
Ok so I've found I'm struggling a bit with a certain timeframe in my show. I can introduce myself, describe what we are making and start at it. But while I'm cutting or chopping I'm finding I don't know what to say. Maybe I'm just having a problem doing two things at once?? lol

I have described the product or done one of the go around the room and introduce yourself and fav PC product. But I'm wondering if I actually had the guests using the tools if that would change and I could describe what they are doing while they are doing it.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any help.

:)
 
I think it is better to allow the guests to prepare the recipe. Makes it easier to talk and focus on the benefits of the tools, and they get to try it before you buy it. It's more fun that way too.

I always say.....I know how to make this recipe, and I want to be sure you can recreate it at home too.....
 
Cooking_Mama said:
Ok so I've found I'm struggling a bit with a certain timeframe in my show. I can introduce myself, describe what we are making and start at it. But while I'm cutting or chopping I'm finding I don't know what to say. Maybe I'm just having a problem doing two things at once?? lol

I have described the product or done one of the go around the room and introduce yourself and fav PC product. But I'm wondering if I actually had the guests using the tools if that would change and I could describe what they are doing while they are doing it.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any help.

:)
Click to expand...

I've also found that I struggle with talking and doing. Interaction does help with this. I also try to review the recipe and find steps that are boring to watch and prep it ahead.
 
I'm like Holly - I do a ton of prep work ahead. So, if I have a pepper that needs to be cut - I cut most of it ahead, and just leave a small amount to demo. Or, if the recipe calls for a dozen eggs...I make sure they are cracked and in the bowl before the show.

Then, I talk about the benefits of the products while I'm demoing - and I ask questions. "Who here has knives that they absolutely LOVE?"
Who has a PC knife?
What do you love about it?
Do you know that a dull knife not only doubles your time in the kitchen, it's also the most dangerous tool you have in your kitchen?", etc.....
 
I trained my new consultants to talk about what they are doing in the kitchen as they are waiting for their kit. I explained that it's not easy for most people to talk while they cook. So, whether they are getting ice from the freezer, pouring milk into cereal, or preparing dinner, they are to talk about what they are doing. I tell them that their family may think they're nuts, but those new consultants who do it, find their first shows much easier.

So, "I'm gently pouring this beautiful, white milk into my plastic bowl of yummy Wheaties". You get the idea.

It really does pay off...

HTH!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Great ideas!! Thanks so much :)
 
Make up "Did you know........." cards. They can say whatever you want them to say. IE - Did you know that most hosts get at least $100 in FREE products, Did you know.....that a host can become CEO of his/her very own business with as little as little as a $115 investment? Did you know..........that I typically earn $100-$200 every time I do a show? etc, etc

make a bunch of them, laminate them and hand them out when you are doing your intro - then when things get slow call on someone to share their card. It gets conversation going and people asking questions about what you want them to talk about.

Just a thought - hope it helps.
 
pcsharon1 said:
Make up "Did you know........." cards. They can say whatever you want them to say. IE - Did you know that most hosts get at least $100 in FREE products, Did you know.....that a host can become CEO of his/her very own business with as little as little as a $115 investment? Did you know..........that I typically earn $100-$200 every time I do a show? etc, etc

make a bunch of them, laminate them and hand them out when you are doing your intro - then when things get slow call on someone to share their card. It gets conversation going and people asking questions about what you want them to talk about.

Just a thought - hope it helps.
Click to expand...


Good reminder! I forgot I had these - maybe these will help!
 

Attachments

Like Nicole said, practice talking while doing things when you're at home. Many of the recordings I've listened to suggest using that kind of time to tell your story. If you practice your story over and over again, you'll be able to tell it without having to pay attention to the story. And on the flip side, if you know your recipe inside and out, you won't have to concentrate too much on what you're doing.So I guess it just boils down to practice! :D
 
I only do the interactive shows. No chairs, just everyone standing around the kitchen table and interacting. It goes MUCH easier when the guests are part of the show vs. watching the show. If I have 10 or more guests, we split them up and do two recipes. The show with 22 guests, we did 3 recipes. :)
 
a few years back I got the book "How to crack an Egg" it has over 1400 kitchen and food tips in there. At first I made up some simple cards to have...now the tips have become my regular demo routine...I change them up and there's always new info...get a book like this, or googlle kitchen or cooking tips,,,you could spend all day looking at these ideas,,,now people come up to me that were at my shows and say" remember me, I was at your cooking class! and you told us,,,
 
when there's downtime, I just ask "who has a favorite PC product we haven't talked about yet." That usually gets them talking and fills the time. So if Lois says "I love the Food Chopper" I ask her--what do you use it for (and throw in other uses), is it easy to use, is it easy to clean, would you recommend it to everyone here.I did this just last night while cutting up a gazillion strawberries for Strawberry Cream Trifle!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during downtime at a Pampered Chef show?

During downtime at a Pampered Chef show, you can engage your guests by sharing fun facts about the products, demonstrating quick recipes, or encouraging them to ask questions. This keeps the energy up and helps maintain interest in the products.

How can I keep guests entertained during product demonstrations?

To keep guests entertained during product demonstrations, consider incorporating interactive elements such as taste tests, quizzes about the products, or asking for volunteers to help with the demonstration. This encourages participation and makes the experience more enjoyable.

What icebreakers can I use during downtime?

Icebreakers can include asking guests to share their favorite cooking tips, discussing their favorite Pampered Chef products, or playing a quick game related to cooking. These activities help build rapport and make guests feel more comfortable.

How can I use downtime to boost sales?

Use downtime to highlight special promotions, showcase best-selling items, or offer exclusive deals for attendees. Engaging guests in conversation about their cooking needs can also help you recommend products that suit their preferences, ultimately boosting sales.

What should I avoid doing during downtime at a show?

Avoid lengthy silences or distractions such as checking your phone or talking about unrelated topics. Instead, focus on maintaining a lively atmosphere and keeping guests engaged with the products and each other.

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