Interview With Chris & TKIF! (FAQ's)
How and when did you guys decide to work together?
| Chris: | "Oddly enough, we have always talked about doing something together. So finally, we just thought that it was time to stop talking and just do it. We have always tried to encourage and assist each other in their careers. Besides, there are a lot of similarities in what we do." |
Where did the whole TKIF! concept come from?
| TKIF!: | "I learned a long time ago that no one would believe that I could be funny and successful in this business until I did. So, every day, I began to tell myself that Tony King was funny. I then had hundreds of t-shirts printed with that same motto. At first, people laughed at the idea, especially when I insisted that everyone refer to me as Tony King Is Funny. And although many people laughed, I realized that they were also starting to believe it." |
Is there any sibling rivalry between the two of you?
| Chris: | "No, I don't think so. We have mutual respect for one another. To tell you the truth we both look up to each other." |
| TKIF!: | "No, there's not a rivalry between us. Who needs a rivalry when I already know that I am funnier, smarter, and better looking." |
| Chris: | "Uh oh. There you go..." (laughing) |
Won't it be difficult to merge comedy with inspirational speaking?
| Chris: | "No, I don't think so. We have more similarities than most people realize. And besides, I often draw from my personal comedic gifts in most of my speaking engagements." |
| TKIF!: | "There are two things that most people don't realize. One, last year I had twice as many performances in front of church audiences than I did secular audiences. So, I feel that I can provide that nice mix of entertainment with empowerment. Two, they don't realize that Chris is literally one of the craziest people that I know. So, he shouldn't have trouble with the comedy aspect of the show." |
How long will the tour last?
| Chris: | "As long as people want it to. Originally, we planned for it to only last for a year. We both understand that the other person has other major projects that they are working on. But, if there is a huge push to keep it going, I am sure that we can find a way to work it out." (laughing) |
Why is there such a big push toward empowerment?
| Chris: | "That's what it's all about--helping others achieve the life that they were created to experience. It really bothers me to see so many hurting people. But what bothers me more is that so many people are temporarily being motivated, only to return to their sad state weeks later. I believe motivation and empowerment are two different things." |
| Interviewer: | "What's the difference?" |
| Chris: | "Many motivators simply provide their audiences with temporary good feelings about their current state, while they cheer them on and congratulate them about their desire to have a different life. But when we empower, we now give you the tools, the resources, and the knowledge of how to grow to a better state. We also now provide you with the understanding that you also have the authority to exercise those tools and power. Unlike many speakers, I actually want you to read my books and contact me for further guidance after the engagement because I believe in truly empowering you as opposed to simply motivating you. I also understand that to truly be empowered, it will take more than one entertaining speaking engagement." |
So, what can the audiences expect during this tour?
| TKIF!: | "I don't know what they can expect from Chris, but they can expect me to be funny." |
| Chris: | "Don't listen to him; he's crazy. But seriously, I think they can expect to laugh, to learn, and to be challenged. In this show (tour), we truly play on all of your emotions. It's gonna be hot." |
Do you really think that you can empower millions?
| Chris: | "Without a doubt. We will do it. Now keep in mind, the whole Passion to Empower a Million™ campaign doesn't just rest on the shoulders of the Laugh & Leadership National Tour. As a matter of fact, this tour simply marks the beginning. There's a lot more to come. So, yes, we will absolutely empower millions." |
Who is Delores J. King?
| TKIF!: | "She's our mother. She passed away back in 1997. But she was such an inspirational force in the community and in our lives, we wanted to honor her with a scholarship fund. And she was BIG on education. It's also another way to impact the lives of others." |