How to Control the Applause

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Now… let’s learn how to control the audience’s applause to avoid awkward silences between speakers.

We’ve all been to an event where the speaker fumbles while passing the microphone to the next person, and the entire room is silent for what feels like forever (but may only be 30 sec). It can drain the energy from the room.

The speech may be great, but the transitions are not.

Let’s focus on that.

You can benefit from copying a comedy show!

I want you to be ready to grab the mic and command the room at your next event.

Goal

The goal is getting the audience to clap 👏👏👏 to keep the energy up.

People LOVE clapping. Audiences love to do it, and speakers love to be clapped at.

With just a few words, you can use applause to keep the momentum of your event going.

Note: This holds true for a small classroom or a giant auditorium.

Let’s focus on 1) the transition into speaking and 2) the transition out of speaking.

Situation 1: Receiving the mic

The very first thing you say depends on if the audience is currently clapping.

• If applause is dying down, you say:

  • “Let’s keep it going for [name], that was a great talk on [topic].”

• If there was no applause

  • “Amazing! I learned so much about [topic]. Give it up for [name]! ”

    & you (the speaker) start to clap too

Situation 2: Passing the mic

• “I am excited to welcome [name] to the stage. Give it up for [name]!”

  & you (the speaker) start to clap too

‘Keep it going’ and ‘Give it up’ are the key phrases to getting people clapping, and thus maintaining audience energy levels.

It really is that simple 🤷 

Homework: Next time you got to comedy show (improv, standup, etc) pay attention to transitions and you’ll notice people using these words.

Bonus Reading

You subscribed to this newsletter because you wanted to grow your soft skills. It turns out you were right to think that. Kudos ✅ 

Reading: 84% Of Workforce Insists Job Candidates Must Demonstrate Soft Skills, New Study Finds

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