Overcoming Nerves for a Successful Cooking Show: Tips and Tricks

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and tips for managing nerves before cooking shows, particularly for those who are new to presenting. Many contributors discuss the use of notes and outlines to help maintain focus during their demonstrations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses nervousness about an upcoming cooking show with 32 guests and considers using a show outline for support.
  • Another participant shares that using cue cards is a helpful strategy for staying organized during shows.
  • Several users mention the importance of preparation and having notes to avoid forgetting key points during the presentation.
  • One participant notes their success with a high sales figure from their first show, suggesting that confidence may stem from prior achievements.
  • Another participant emphasizes the value of having visual aids, like a flip book, to engage guests while referencing notes.
  • Some contributors share their personal experiences with using index cards and outlines to enhance their confidence and performance during shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be general agreement among participants on the usefulness of having notes or outlines during cooking shows, with many sharing similar strategies for preparation. However, no clear consensus emerges on the best method, as various participants mention different tools and approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their individual experiences and strategies related to cooking shows, reflecting a range of comfort levels and personal styles in presentation. The discussion highlights the supportive nature of the community as members encourage one another.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants or those feeling anxious about upcoming cooking shows may find the shared experiences and tips beneficial as they prepare for their own presentations.

ginamkiely
ginamkiely
Messages
851
I have a show tonight, only my second cooking show, and there are now 32 confirmed guests coming. I'm getting really nervous. I don't want to sound like and idiot and i don't want to talk too much, would it be ok for me to work off a show outline and have the piece of paper in front of me while i do my demo? :blushing: TIA
 
Absolutely, there is nothing wrong with that. I think that that is a good thing lets people know that you are prepared and serious. Just breath deep and think about this as a really really great thing. 32 confirmed guests says to me great sales and many bookings.

Good Luck, and just smile.
 
I STILL use 4 4x6 index cards for every show.
1st Card - Prep Outline (everything I want to get done before the show)
2nd Card - Intro for show

3rd Card - Demo checklist

4th Card - closing for show

This is more like a check list so I remember to talk about everything that I want to talk about. I get off track very easily, and this helps me stay on track.
 
Becky that is a great idea I am going to use that as well.
 
Wow!!! Good luck with your show. I think it's a great idea to have some notes, there's nothing worse than remembering something you should have talked about on your drive home!! Just make sure to write big so you can see your notes from a distance. ;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks everyone. Becky, that is a great idea, i think i might get some cards and try that one out. For today i'm just going to use the show outline cards that came with my kit and a few cards i printed about each of the 4 lines. I have every product we carry so far so i know the products i just don't want to forget anything and i want to make sure i tell them the right info about the cookware and the cutlery. thanks for your well wishes though, i feel a little better.
 
Is your best show, $2823, your first show??? :eek: If so, you must be doing something right and you've got nothing to worry about!

No one will mind if you have cue cards. I like to use the flip book that is on the supply list. It gives the guests something to look at, while I read my notes off the back side. :)

Have fun!
Jessica
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
yes my first show was $2823. i'm very persistent. lol.

i have a binder with all different flyers and info to pass around while i'm doing the demo but i'm definitely going to use the cue cards for a while.
 
ginamkiely said:
yes my first show was $2823. i'm very persistent. lol.
Click to expand...
You should be telling us what you're doing!!!! That is really amazing! Right now, I would be doing good to have those kind of sales in a month!! LOL

Good luck tonight and let us know how you did!! I can't wait to hear!!! :D
 
Sales of $2800+ then 32 guests - she is doing EVERYTHING right! WOW!
 
I absolutely agree, you should be teachig us! Let us know how your show goes!
 
A little while ago I think Colleen posted her show outline. I used it and it helped me TREMENDOUSLY. I had alot more confidence going into the show.

I will post hers. I give her TOTAL credit for this, she saved my you know what !!!
 

Attachments

  • Thread starter
  • #13
Thanks everyone, i'm looking over that show outline now and Becky, I went out and bought flash cards already for tonight.

My first show was family and friends and basically everyone I knew I asked for an order so I could qualify with $2500 in my first 30 days. Well, i wound up getting $3484 in 30 days instead. now i'm going for $5000 in 90 days. i'm only off by $1500 and i have 3 shows before then so i'm hoping to pass it by far.

i've been obsessed with PC products for 5 years and always had to have one of everything in the catalog so most people that know me knew that and believed what i was selling.

i'm going to work on my flash cards now... thanks again for all the advice and i will let you know how it goes when i get home tonight.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I STILL use 4 4x6 index cards for every show.
1st Card - Prep Outline (everything I want to get done before the show)
2nd Card - Intro for show

3rd Card - Demo checklist

4th Card - closing for show

This is more like a check list so I remember to talk about everything that I want to talk about. I get off track very easily, and this helps me stay on track.
Click to expand...


I use 4x6's too....I tell everyone at the beginning of my show that I suffer from CRS (can't remember stuff) syndrome and I need my Cooking for Dummies cards!
If I try to read from a cookbook, I just get lost so over the years I have made recipe cards that are easier to follow......
I now have a FULL box!! LOL!!
 
Good luck tonight! I am sure you are off by now getting your stuff prepared. I have been to two trainings with Chris Manion and she always has an outline. She says she always uses it for her shows. She even references the page numbers in the catalog.

Can't wait to hear how your show goes. My first back in business show is schedule for Sept. 8th. Pass along tips on how things go tonight.

Layla
 
Just wanted to say good luck! Don't forget to ask EVERYONE to book! Hope you have an awesome show!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Thanks everyone... i'm leaving soon. I'll let you know later on tonight. Thanks again!!
 
well ??? how did it go?? !!!
 
Wow G ~ cant imagine why you're so nervous about tonight's show with numbers like that! 32 confirmed guests? Girrrllllll...you're going to hit 5K tonight! Here's hoping!!!;) :D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #20
hey everyone, a quick post before i head to bed. so far the show is over $1500 so i did hit $5000 in my first 90 days and i got only 2 bookings but thats ok since sept is booked anyway.. we'll see how tomorrow goes.

thanks for all the well wishes.

also, i got an individual order today for $417 for one person through my website. i think i hit jackpot with this job!!

talk to you all tomorrow

d... how was your vaca??
 
Congrats! Thats awesome, great start!! I hope that the totals just keep climbing!
 
ginamkiely said:
hey everyone, a quick post before i head to bed. so far the show is over $1500 so i did hit $5000 in my first 90 days and i got only 2 bookings but thats ok since sept is booked anyway.. we'll see how tomorrow goes.

thanks for all the well wishes.

also, i got an individual order today for $417 for one person through my website. i think i hit jackpot with this job!!

talk to you all tomorrow

d... how was your vaca??
Click to expand...


Who Cares about my vaca!!?!?!?!??! YOU ARE ON FIRE, chickie! Holy Mother of GOD! I KNEW you'd do it! AMAZING work, Batgirl....


GO Gina, its your birthday...we gonna party like its your birthday!

CONGRATULATIONS LADY!!!!! Does this mean I have to kiss your ring every night in addition to Ann's?
 
That is incredible!! Congratulations!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #24
aw thanks girls.

i still care about your vaca!!

you don't have to kiss my ring sweetie, you can do this too, so easy!!

what what it's my party!! lol
 
  • Thread starter
  • #25
thanks lamar
 
ginamkiely said:
aw thanks girls.

i still care about your vaca!!

you don't have to kiss my ring sweetie, you can do this too, so easy!!

what what it's my party!! lol
Click to expand...


LMAO!!!! You go, my little bee with an itch! Take that money and run! (Watch when you run b/c your bling's gonna smack you in the face)....what kind of par tay was THAT?!?!?!
 
ginamkiely said:
hey everyone, a quick post before i head to bed. so far the show is over $1500 so i did hit $5000 in my first 90 days and i got only 2 bookings but thats ok since sept is booked anyway.. we'll see how tomorrow goes.

thanks for all the well wishes.

also, i got an individual order today for $417 for one person through my website. i think i hit jackpot with this job!!
Click to expand...

Wow, what a great show and what a network you have. Keep on doing what you are doing and remember to have fun. :D
 
OH MY GOD!!!!! :eek: :eek: You are amazing!!!!! WOW!!!!!! You really must post your secret!! I wish I lived closer, 'cause I'd love to see your show!

And $417 on your website???? That's great!!!!!

I'm very happy for you!!!! Keep it up!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

You're a true inspiration!! :) :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #29
Thank you so much Marie. I had a lot of fun last night, I wish people listened more but i'm sure everyone on here feels like that most of the time. There were definitely too many people for me to keep them all under control the whole time but I guess at the end it didn't matter. I still have to get 4 more orders today. Can't wait to close this one out.
 
awesome job!!:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Hosting a Successful Cooking Show: Tips for Beginners
  • Mindy50135
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Does Anyone Have a Cooking Show Outline?
  • apriljc
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
3
Views
1K
Ann F
My First Wedding Show: Overcoming Nerves and Preparing for Success
  • Heather Rogers
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
3K
Admin Greg
ITCHEN SHOW NERVES: Tips for Overcoming Performance Anxiety~
  • kaceyleigh2
    • Products and Tips
Replies
12
Views
2K
dannyzmom
Tips for a Successful Couples Show: Ideas for Nervous Consultants
  • Deb V
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
vanscootin
I'm Making Janet's Pb Cup Trifle for a Show Tomorrow
  • babywings76
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
19
Views
2K
janetupnorth
Cooking for a Cuban Chef Husband: Tips & Ideas
  • beepampered
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
5
Views
2K
ChefBeckyD
Baking a Cake for the First Time - Tips and Tricks
  • wadesgirl
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
2K
wadesgirl
Overcoming Obstacles: My Journey to Booking Cooking Shows
  • chellb1234
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
18
Views
3K
islandgurlchef
Cooking on a Stove-Eye: Tips for 1st-Timer
  • tabnat80
    • Recipes and Tips
2 3
Replies
68
Views
12K
chefann
Back
Top