For starters make sure that your show starts with a bang! A powerful script to open the party that tells the audience this is going to be fun will go a long way to getting Negative Nelly to keep to herself. Something like this:
Let’s get started! Today we are going to [cook, learn organizing tips, scrap book, have a makeover, etc.], eat, learn something… but most of all we are going to have some FUN and I can pretty much guarantee you that before this day is over you WILL fall in love with our products, and when that happens you may want to consider hosting a show…..
A fun and upbeat start to your party may in itself keep Nelly under control.
The worst thing you can do with a negative customer is to argue with her or him or try to justify yourself or your products. Don’t give them any power… instead defuse their influence on the group.
Point Blank Criticism
On occasion a guest may bring up a real criticism of a product. Most likely this complaint is justified but DURING the party is not the place to discuss it. In this case the simple 3 – S response to crushing objections may help reduce the tension of both you and them:
- Support Them – Validate Them: I can certainly see how that would really upset you!
- Solution – Provide A Solution: We do have an unconditional warranty and I definitely want to find a solution for you.
- Stop Them With A Question: Do you think that we can discuss this after the show so I can solve this for you?
Give Negative Nelly Some Attention
There are a few things you can do within the course of your presentation that will minimize the run of the mill, generic type of Negative Nelly’s impact on your party. Most negative people are just looking for a little bit of attention, so give it to her!
It is usually easy to pick up on Neg Nelly quickly and a compliment will defuse her. After a compliment it is easy to incorporate her into the party as your sidekick. Every infomercial has a sidekick and so can you.
Once you know the person’s name, then make them part of the presentation by saying things like: Right Nelly? or What do you think of that, Nelly? This personal attention will keep her/him on your side of the presentation.
Other Ways To Defuse Negative Guests
Other techniques that you can incorporate into your presentation that will keep a negative guest in check are similar to those you would use to keep your audiences’ attention in general:
- Thank her/him for the feedback
- Stand on the front of your table – not behind it!
- Walk closer to the negative person when talking
- Look her/him in the eye when you say their name
- Maintain a fast-paced FUN show
- Face Negative Nelly squarely when answering a direct criticism
She is not looking for an answer…. so, don’t try to give her one, just attempt to keep her from ruining the party!
This article was originally published by Home Party Plan Training Center
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