ITCHEN SHOW NERVES: Tips for Overcoming Performance Anxiety~

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of participants regarding performance anxiety during Kitchen Shows. Many share their personal feelings of nervousness and strategies they use to manage their anxiety while presenting.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses that despite a year of experience, they still feel nervous and forget important details during shows.
  • Another participant shares that they also experience butterflies before shows and use 3x5 cards for reminders.
  • A participant with over three years of experience mentions using an outline to stay on track and acknowledges that stumbling over words is a common human experience.
  • One participant discusses lightening the mood during mistakes by saying, "see, anyone can do this!" and emphasizes the importance of preparing notes in a manageable format.
  • Several users mention that they still feel jitters before starting but find that it subsides after introductions.
  • One participant notes that they bring index cards with simple information, which provides a sense of security even if they don't use them extensively.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not being nervous about public speaking but still relying on outlines to stay organized.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that feeling nervous is a common experience, and many share similar strategies for managing their anxiety. However, there is no clear consensus on a single method that works for everyone.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of experiences from participants at different stages of their consulting journey, highlighting the personal nature of performance anxiety and the varied approaches to overcoming it.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be useful for consultants seeking to understand that performance anxiety is a shared experience and to explore different strategies for managing nerves during presentations.

kaceyleigh2
Messages
333
Does anyone else get nervous during Kitchen Shows and stumble over words? I've been doing this for almost a year and I still get nervous when I'm doing shows I end up forgetting to say important things or ingredients in my recipe etc. etc. I'm wanting to start using some of the many fun ideas i've found on here (throwing candy, playing games, etc.) but for some reason I'm still having a hard time with the basics. Does anyone have any tips/tricks on how to ease the nerves (don't say picture everyone naked-that'd probably make me even more nervous :D )
Thanks!
~K
 
I know how you feel! I've been doing PC a year (in July) and I still get butterflies! I'm such a dork I still use 3x5 cards to help me remember what to talk about!
 
I've been doing this for over 3 years. I have spent lots of time in front of people. I still get a bit nervous. I use an outline to keep myself on track. Yes, I occasionally stumble over words. It's because we're human. The reason that never happens to people on TV and in movies is because of editing. Ever see the outtakes?
 
I totally understand the stumbling over words thing. What I say at my shows to lighten my mood when I make mistakes is "see, anyone can do this!" I also type out my show in big type size, maybe 12 or 14. After I print it out I cut it into sections so I have 4 or 5" by 8 1/2" "note cards". It's easier to follow my outline and to find my place rather than having a whole piece of paper with a ton of words in front of me. Also, typing out my show the way I want to say things helps me remember better what I need to say and do during the show.

Believe in yourself and picture yourself in your mind doing a great job before you arrive at the show. You'll do great, and you're probably doing great. We are always hard on ourselves, aren't we?
 
Hey JAE! How'd your show go last night?
 
My show is tonight. I went to an Arbonne show/class/thing last night. I am now an Arbonne consultant. Not really. I paid the money to get the discounts for ordering the product at 35% off. I bought blush, lipstick and lip pencil. Anyway, I'm supposed to be getting ready for my show, right now, but I'm on this website instead! I love the CD's you let me borrow. I'm going to implement some of the strategies tonight. Hoping for bookings!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
JAE said:
I totally understand the stumbling over words thing. What I say at my shows to lighten my mood when I make mistakes is "see, anyone can do this!" I also type out my show in big type size, maybe 12 or 14. After I print it out I cut it into sections so I have 4 or 5" by 8 1/2" "note cards". It's easier to follow my outline and to find my place rather than having a whole piece of paper with a ton of words in front of me. Also, typing out my show the way I want to say things helps me remember better what I need to say and do during the show.

Believe in yourself and picture yourself in your mind doing a great job before you arrive at the show. You'll do great, and you're probably doing great. We are always hard on ourselves, aren't we?

I will have to try the bigger font on Note Cards! I did do an outline but found I avoided it b/c I'd lose my place!

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words!!
 
The folks from the home office who did the New Consultant Recipes workshop at Leadership used the display binder to hold their notes. You could do that - put your notes on one side of each insert, so they face you, and specials/display cards in the other so the guests can see those when you flip pages.
 
I still get nervous right before I start, then it passes after intros! I still bring my show outline (AS MY SECURITY BLANKET) but don't really use it anymore.
 
I still get the jitters myself. Would you guys mind sharing your show outlines or 3x5 cards?
 
I am always jittery in the beginning of the show. I just mentally tell myself to knock it off! LOL I also bring my index cards with me. I barely use them but knowing that they are there to fall back on makes me feel better. And they have just simple info like host benefits, stoneware benefits, etc.
 
chefann said:
The folks from the home office who did the New Consultant Recipes workshop at Leadership used the display binder to hold their notes. You could do that - put your notes on one side of each insert, so they face you, and specials/display cards in the other so the guests can see those when you flip pages.

Thank you for sharing that idea!

I've been doing this for six years. I've never really been nervous about the public speaking part (I used to teach sex ed), but I continue to use an outline/notes. Like Rae, it helps me stay on track. Also, I can put page numbers or item numbers in my notes. . .don't have room (nor the desire to memorize) for that stuff in this brain!
 
I still get nervous every time and I have been doing this almost 4 years. The jitters are part of the excitement :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common causes of performance anxiety during kitchen shows?

Common causes of performance anxiety during kitchen shows include fear of public speaking, concern about not meeting customer expectations, and worries about product knowledge or presentation skills. Additionally, the pressure to engage and entertain an audience can contribute to feelings of nervousness.

How can I prepare to reduce nerves before a kitchen show?

Preparation is key to reducing nerves. Familiarize yourself with the products you will be demonstrating, practice your presentation multiple times, and create a detailed outline of your show. Additionally, consider rehearsing in front of friends or family to gain confidence and receive constructive feedback.

What techniques can I use during the show to manage anxiety?

During the show, you can manage anxiety by employing techniques such as deep breathing exercises, positive visualization, and focusing on the audience rather than yourself. Engaging with your audience through questions and interactions can also help shift your focus away from your nerves.

How can I handle mistakes or unexpected situations during a kitchen show?

Handling mistakes or unexpected situations can be done by staying calm and composed. Acknowledge the mistake with humor if appropriate, and quickly move on. Remember that the audience is often more forgiving than you think, and maintaining a positive attitude can help keep the show on track.

What should I do after the show to improve for next time?

After the show, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Seek feedback from attendees and consider recording your presentation for self-review. Setting specific goals for your next show can also help you focus on areas for improvement and build your confidence over time.

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