Tips for Performing at Kitchen Shows When You Have a Cold

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of Pampered Chef consultants who are managing kitchen shows while dealing with colds or allergies. Participants share their strategies for handling shows under these circumstances and the reactions of their guests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about sneezing and coughing during a show and seeks advice on managing symptoms while performing.
  • Another participant shares their experience of asking hosts and guests to assist with food preparation when feeling unwell, which they find helps alleviate concerns about handling food while sick.
  • A different participant mentions that they have successfully conducted hands-on shows where guests prepare the food, allowing them to avoid coughing on the products.
  • One consultant recounts a humorous experience where they had an unexpected reaction to allergy medication during a show, which affected their performance but still resulted in bookings.
  • Another participant suggests wearing gloves and washing hands frequently as a precautionary measure when feeling under the weather.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to manage shows while unwell, with some participants advocating for hands-on involvement from guests, while others focus on personal coping strategies. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies based on their individual circumstances, highlighting the variability in how consultants handle illness during shows.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who may find themselves in similar situations while conducting kitchen shows could benefit from the shared experiences and strategies discussed in this thread.

C
Chef Michelle D
Messages
455
I have a cold :( and I also have a show tomorrow night. I was just wondering what other consultants do when they are under the weather and still have to do a show. I don't want to be sneezing or coughing during my show but I also don't want to not do the show. I plan on taking some good medicine before my show to help control my symptoms what do you to get through the night.
 
Being in the business for 3 years, I have had this happen many times. Depending on how I feel when I get to the kitchen show depends on how I handle the situation. If I am feeling ok, not coughing, then I go on with the show like normal. But, if I am coughing, I ask my host and a couple guests to help me. I have the host and guests actually prepare the food with my directions. The chop the onion, they shred the cheese etc. This works really well and I believe it makes people feel better that I am not handling their food while I am sick. I have only had to reschedule one show and that was because I lost my voice!! Not much I could do there! Hope this idea helps! And yes, load up on that cold medicine before your show!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I do tend to loose my voice when I get colds but it happends at the end of the cold and I can't talk for a few days. My husband is in is glory when this happens. :D So I don't think that will be the case for tomorrow night. But I do like the idea of having the host and guest do the work and I can just talk about the products. Thanks for the ideas.

Michelle
 
Here's what I didI had a show in October and had a terrible cough, I didn't want to cancel on the hostess so I decided to make it a hands on show. I let the guest use the products and make the food, while I talked about the tools they were using. That way I was not coughing all over the products and food. It worked out great. It was a $600 show and I got 2 bookings. I did tell the guest when they arrived what was going to happen so they were ready when I called on them.

HTH
Tracy
 
AllergiesI have severe allergies and usually only take meds when it gets REALLY bad, otherwise the meds will lose effect (believe me I have taken EVERYTHING). My allergies were really bad before a party in August and on the way I took Tylenol Severe Sinus/Allergy. I had taken it many times before (for years). However, this time I had a weird reaction to the meds.

I was HIGH. I had the giggles something awful and my mind was all soupy. I could barely make it through the demo, but everyone there were good sports. They were a little edgy when I demoed the US&G, though. I got 3 bookings and it was an $800. The best part was that I didn't drip snot in their food!! :p

Win/Win!!
 
Chef Kearns said:
I was HIGH....They were a little edgy when I demoed the US&G...I didn't drip snot in their food!! :p
Win/Win!!
Click to expand...
Oh my gosh, you crack me up!!! This was a visual that I could have done without though :eek:
 
Chef Michelle D said:
I have a cold :( and I also have a show tomorrow night. I was just wondering what other consultants do when they are under the weather and still have to do a show. I don't want to be sneezing or coughing during my show but I also don't want to not do the show. I plan on taking some good medicine before my show to help control my symptoms what do you to get through the night.
Click to expand...

I would wear gloves, wash my hands every possible minute, and take something to "dry me up". Good luck & feel better!
 
fruit76loop said:
Being in the business for 3 years, I have had this happen many times. Depending on how I feel when I get to the kitchen show depends on how I handle the situation. If I am feeling ok, not coughing, then I go on with the show like normal. But, if I am coughing, I ask my host and a couple guests to help me. I have the host and guests actually prepare the food with my directions. The chop the onion, they shred the cheese etc. This works really well and I believe it makes people feel better that I am not handling their food while I am sick. I have only had to reschedule one show and that was because I lost my voice!! Not much I could do there! Hope this idea helps! And yes, load up on that cold medicine before your show!!
Click to expand...

What wonderful advice!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have a cold before a kitchen show?

If you have a cold before a kitchen show, it's important to assess your symptoms. If you feel well enough to perform but have mild symptoms, consider using throat lozenges and staying hydrated. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, it may be best to reschedule the show or find a substitute.

How can I manage my voice during a kitchen show if I have a cold?

To manage your voice, try to speak softly and clearly. Use a microphone if available, and take frequent sips of warm water or herbal tea to soothe your throat. Avoid shouting or straining your voice, and take breaks if needed to rest your vocal cords.

What are some tips for engaging with guests while feeling under the weather?

Engage with guests by focusing on visual demonstrations and interactive elements. Use hand gestures and facial expressions to convey enthusiasm, and encourage guests to participate in the cooking process. Keep your energy up by taking deep breaths and maintaining a positive attitude.

Should I inform my guests that I have a cold?

It's a good idea to be transparent with your guests. A simple acknowledgment of your cold can help set expectations. You can mention it briefly and then shift the focus back to the cooking demonstration, ensuring that it doesn't detract from the experience.

What precautions should I take to prevent spreading my cold during the show?

To prevent spreading your cold, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with guests, and consider using disposable utensils or serving tools. If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your elbow, and step away from the group if necessary.

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