Charlie Punsmith: blushing, sweating Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was out-standing in his field!!!
Thanks! You know, I've always had a knack for making people laugh. But this... this is something else.
Yeah! So what do you think of this?
Well, I never expected the president of a rival company to show up at one of my performances. It's a bit surreal, to say the least. But hey, if they're enjoying the show, who am I to complain?
Yeah, that’s right. Have you seen any other CEOs or maybe even some celebrities here?
Oh, you know, the usual suspects. A few rock stars, a couple of movie actors, some professional athletes.
That is so cool! Wait, what about the scariest moment of your career, then?
Ah, the scariest moment... Well, there was this one time when I was performing at a corporate event.
The CEO of this big corporation was in the audience, and he didn't seem too impressed.
What!? What did he say or do then?
Well, he stood up in the middle of my set and started yelling at me, accusing me of being inappropriate and offensive.
And how did you react on that moment?
Well, I tried to stay calm and explained to him that I was just trying to entertain the crowd and that my jokes were meant to be humorous.
Wow, that must’ve been really tense. Did he accept your explanation or stormed out angrily?
Well, he didn't storm out, but he didn't exactly accept my explanation either. He told me that if I wanted to continue performing at their events, I would have to tone down my material.
Whoa, that sounds like an ultimatum to me!
Yeah, it kind of was. I didn't want to compromise my comedy, but I also needed the gig. So, I did what I usually do when I'm stuck in a tight spot - I channeled it into a joke.
Well, I’m looking forward to hearing it!
grinning mischievously I told the audience that I was feeling a little censored, so I came up with a joke on the spot. I said, "Why did the chicken cross the road? To get away from the guy who's always telling me what I can and can't say!" The crowd erupted in laughter, and even the CEO couldn't help but crack a smile. It was a small victory, but it was enough to make me feel vindicated.
That is so cool! And did you get the gig or not?
laughs I got the gig, of course! After that, the CEO became one of my biggest fans. He even introduced me to some of the other executives, and they've been supportive ever since. It just goes to show, sometimes the things that scare you the most can end up being a blessing in disguise.
Yeah! Is there anything else that you want to share with me?
Well, one more thing. After that encounter with the CEO, I started doing more corporate gigs.