Need Tips for a Successful Speaking Engagement?

[dannyzmom]

I have a speaking engagement on Monday during which I will have 15-20 minutes to talk about The Pampered Chef to a group of Christian ladies ranging from late 40's to senior citizens. They would like me to discuss holiday ideas, entertaining shortcuts and show some new tools. I am not allowed to take orders.
Has anyone done this before & have any suggestions? Possibly an outline?

 

[Inomiamenda]

I haven't. I am sure you are already thinking along these lines, but you can talk about booking a show in order to shop for yourself OR gifts with a discount and free, right?
I have that list of gift ideas broken down by price. I will post it when I get home.
I would definitely talk about the magic pot, the stainless mixing bowls ( my favorite, after all of the real benefits is to take the large one and put it on my head. I say plus if aliens come, you can put it on your head and blend in.)
ok that is random but so am I.
Also you can talk about the beautiful serving pieces that compliment any holiday table, and wow! In November they are 20% off for guests and 60% for hosts. I made the zesty skillet ravioli at all of my October shows and then put it in the large dots bowl.It makes SUCH a gorgeous presentation.So far I have 8 shows, 3 catty shows and a fundraiser and I am still offering 2 more dates for actual cooking shows.
I would also definitely make a trifle and take it to sample. The black forrest one is a huge hit and fairly inexpensive. AND... so pretty.
One of the things my director does if she wants a specific date is to offer the magic pot for $17.00. She tells the host they will use one of their half price items for the dcb, and she splits the cost with them. So basically it costs her $17.00 but she gets that booking, etc..
I don't know if this helps at all, but I hope it does!

 

[pamperedlinda]

I did someting like that a couple of years ago. Here is my outline - it is probably way out of date, but you can get some ideas from it.

 

[dannyzmom]

Linda - you rock

 

[cmdtrgd]

I don't like that you can't take orders...is it that they don't want a sales pitch and/or pressure put on the people there? Oh, and I offered a quick suggestion on CS:
Show our "Adult Legos" and how the Simple Additions can be stacked to make different serving pieces and levels.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Carolyn, how did this go?

 

[dannyzmom]

Carolyn, how did this go?

I used Linda's basic script (thank you so much Lin) but the majority of the crowd was death-plus-a-hundred and I am fairly certain they had their hearing aids turned off. The one or two gals in their 50-70's who showed some interest were quite nice and the gal who booked me for the event booked a show with me and we have actually become quite friendly - we've met for coffee twice now. So it wasn't a complete bust. Hopefully she'll have a decent show.

 

[Chef Kearns]

LOL!! "death plus a hundred"!! Well, one show is worth it!! Good luck and congratulations!

 

[Nanisu]

Hey Linda:

I am teaching 4 home ec classes tomorrow morning--this speech is perfect. Thanks!