Comments on: Another Corporate SNAFU

By: John

John — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:40:20 +0000

A BIG oops! Haven’t had any quite like that one in any speeches I’ve given, yet.

I did notice that you are prejudiced against coming west to perform! I’m in California and keep looking for dates and times when you will be out this way. We have to learn to laugh at many things here because we have a governor that gives 12 year old girls the right to get vaccinated with that dangerous HPV vaccine that has killed 18 girls so far and damaged 1,000′s. The law he signed says they don’t have to tell their parents!

It’s things like that we have to contend with to get a laugh. We all wish you would book some time in California so we can get some legitimate laughs that are actually funny!

By: Tim Cimbura

Tim Cimbura — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:33:10 +0000

During a Christian conference, I worked late on the worship PowerPoint lyric slides.
The following morning as we were leading worship during a quiet and contemplative moment. The people sang “Lord you are, more precious than silver. Lord you are, more costly than…” and everyone broke into laughter.
To me…this was not a funny moment. I turned toward the screen to see the slide read “Lord you are more costly than… GOLF.”
Well, it’s a true statement…at the courses I’ve seen. It’s a good thing that God has a sense of humor.
(Please note that the “d” and “f” keys are next to each other on the keyboard and spell checkers do not catch the wrong word in context.)

By: Cindy Presson

Cindy Presson — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:13:05 +0000

Jeff, having heard your “brownies under the covers” bit, I was already saying “Oh NO!” in my head when reading about your corporate SNAFU at the Sam’s Club event. But perhaps even funnier was picturing Lenny (even though I’ve never met him in person) with a look of complete horror on his face, trying to get your attention and desperately slashing his hand across his throat repeatedly. Now THAT’S entertainment.
Keep ‘em laughing.
Cindy Presson

By: Vinny Joy

Vinny Joy — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:34:24 +0000

Wow, Jeff. I cannot imagine that feeling. Well, I actually can. I’ve done a lot of teaching and preaching as a pastor and prison chaplain and remember those dead spots well. I realize that every time I’m trying to be funny and there is little or no reaction it’s not a good idea to say “That was a joke.” It kinda presses the point too hard that it was probably, well, not funny to almost everyone.
I also spend time afterwards wondering what the heck I was thinking…or not thinking that I would say something that awkward. I guess I have to remember what God said: “I’ll do the thinnin’ ’round here!” No, wait. That was a cartoon character named El Kabong from my childhood! Oh well. God bless you, my friend.
Vinny
Fort Knox, KY

By: Mike Frank

Mike Frank — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:51:51 +0000

Jeff,

I appreciate your sharing the story. We are all human and EVERY speaker/entertainer has made such an error…. sometime in their career. Having been in the business for 44 years and having booked over 15,000 engagements, be assured we have all had something embarrassing happen at presentations…..Mike

By: Pete

Pete — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:12:35 +0000

Ouch, a punchline gone bad! Amazing, really! The one business event you don’t want a punchline like that, and it happens.
Ah well, Jeff, I appreciate you opening up and sharing this.
God is still good, even when things go wrong.
Cheers.