TRAINING OF NEW HOSTS

CABRIT · ‎11-16-2018

I appreciate that the new hosts need time to feel comfortable in the job, and that training takes time. My problem with most of them is that they use the same canned presentations all the time. I want to believe in them, but when they all sound as if they're reading the same script, it sounds fake. Why can;t they use their own words to describe the items, instead of everyone saying the same thing? I prefer to see them share a programme with a seasoned host, as it takes the pressure off of them. Everything isn't 'wonderful or extraordinary,' when similar words could be used to describe a particular item.

matty liz · ‎03-14-2011

Agree. It is important to present products for what they are not how many we need, what we should do with them, or usinf the easy pay price as to a bargin. I assume most of us, being able to purchase can answer those questions for ourselves.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@CABRIT wrote:
I appreciate that the new hosts need time to feel comfortable in the job, and that training takes time. My problem with most of them is that they use the same canned presentations all the time. I want to believe in them, but when they all sound as if they're reading the same script, it sounds fake. Why can;t they use their own words to describe the items, instead of everyone saying the same thing? I prefer to see them share a programme with a seasoned host, as it takes the pressure off of them. Everything isn't 'wonderful or extraordinary,' when similar words could be used to describe a particular item.

@CABRIT @matty liz

Wow.

Well, it's obvious neither of you has ever had to give a lengthy sales presentation, present it to your boss repeatedly, until THEY were satisfied you were covering at least the basics, and then finally be allowed to make it to potential customers.

OF COURSE they are using "canned" presentations. They are given a script to memorize and then go from there.

Also, I seriously doubt that ANY shopping channel would allow new hires to just say anything they want in a presentation, possibly wasting expensive air time and not even mentioning important points. Time is money!

I don't know how much an hour of TV costs QVC .... all the employees behind the camera and the cost of air time, but it's definitely not cheap.

While more experienced hosts are given some latitude, I think many are just too folksy and unprofessional. (Just my opinion, of course).

Just fyi, I spent a lot of my career doing sales presentations and seminars to audiences of various sizes.

I also know that most people don't realize that once you memorize a presentation, it's hard to change something in the middle of it ... it will go on the end. I call it a "thought stream" and it's hard to interrupt what you've memorized and just pick up again. It can be done, but it's not easy.

If you haven't tried it, don't knock it. Doing presentations on camera can be very grueling.

Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox now. LOL

Have a nice day.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@CABRIT. I don't find this to be a problem. Theb hosts go to product meeting where they're given "talking points" to include in their presentations. None of them are experts on the products they sell so they must have orientations to discuss them intelligently which is why they might sound "canned".

Heaven knows they "improvise" enough with their stories and experiences in their own words.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

'While I'm here'........I watched the Sprigs Accessories show (12-12-24). ( QVC 2 )

The Sprigs Ambassador representative ('Dawn') is outstanding and would be a fantastic host. Just enough energy, excellent descriptions/details of Sprigs items, etc.

(p.s. The host was Sam, a delightful new host. )

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

Franklinbell · ‎01-04-2015

@Tinkrbl44 @Well said!

lgfan · ‎10-19-2012

Some people have the gift of gab and love to sell products whether they are in a store or real estate. They thrive in making presentations.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Franklinbell wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 @Well said!

@Franklinbell

Thanks .... It can be rather horrifying for a new sales rep to be handed an eight page script, told to memorize it this weekend and be ready to give a presentation next Tuesday, ready to go. Yikes!