Secrets of the Clap: A Journey of Understanding

Who starts the clap when applause rings through an assembly?

On Sunday at church, one of our members gave a personal testimony of God's strength through his recent hip replacement surgery... he even shared some of the travails surrounding the complications this surgery had on his bladder. In his recap, we all heard a phrase we never thought we'd enjoy together in the house of God--"And now I'm just whizzing like everybody else!" It was his testimony of God's deliverance from a catheter... and we all laughed heartily in response.

There was more to his story, and then it was over. It was a situation where clapping seemed natural, but obligatory--if no one clapped there would only be silence as this man walked back to his seat. We were moved, but not weeping at the beauty of his words. That is when "it" happened--I began to clap. And I was the first... I got the applause started--and it felt so right. It got me thinking about the nature of applause, and how it forms.

It also gave me a power rush--and I may already be addicted--because here's what happened next: On Monday in our staff meeting at work, someone's birthday was announced. This fellah is a quiet and unassuming guy who brings so much to his job everyday, and as soon as his boss made the birthday acknowledgment, I got the sense that no one cared, or at least that no one felt free to care. So I started to clap. And I clapped enthusiastically, and others joined in, but it petered out fast--like the hopeless bunch who try to start "the wave" at baseball games and need to work on it for 3 innings before their wave stretches beyond one section of the stands.

Later, one of my staffers questioned me about the clapping. Her: "What was that about? You were so LOUD." Me: "I thought he should be appreciated, so I got things started." Her: "Yeah, but you started so strong, and then after everyone had stopped you still... CLAP-CLAP-CLAPPED. It was just you." Me: "Really? I didn't notice. I've been interested in the originations of applause since yesterday... Was it that obvious?" Her: "Yeah... it was odd."

So I guess I need to take my minor victory (from Sunday) try not to force it anymore. Here are three of the major categories for applause that I've come up with. Let's be aware of these principles--and try not to get ourselves hurt out there:

Category 1: Spontaneous Clapping Eruption -- This is when something within a person clicks, and they know the only response is a full and hearty pounding on the palms. It is most associated with a universal feeling felt by all observers at the same moment. Generally, the birth of the applause is untraceable, or what I might call: Indeterminate Applause Origination (IAO). No one knows who started it, or if anyone started it at all, we might just be wired to clap when we encounter a moving piece of music or a stirring testimony.

Category 2: Obligatory Applause -- This occurs when clapping is the correct, and proper response, even if you don't personally feel it in the recesses of your being. Certainly there is someone who originates this applause, though most participants determine internally that they will clap whenever the applause reaches their area of the room. My example from church fits category two.

Category 3: The Suggestive Clap (also called Awkward Clapping) -- There are other times when applause is not the natural response, when it really is a hit-or-miss emotional connection. In these cases, some may be moved, while others... not so much. This instance may sometimes result in bullying, where one's applause puts pressure on others to clap, or when a strong leader influences others. Can also result in the One-Man Clapping Scenario as outlined in the story above.

I trust that this tutorial has been of some help to you. Please know, it is only a tutorial, for more on the nature and practice of applause, watch for my book: Secrets of the Clap, coming in October from Warner Books.

Comments

[Micah J.L.]

A big round of applause for this post.

How about the awkward moment in a packed movie theater where there is a great scene and a couple of people want to start applauding the good guy who has just foiled the villain, so they begin to clap, but then realize that Will Smith or Gene Hackman are just images on the screen and can't hear their applause.

[Darnell Lamb]

Even if I am not clapping outwardly I am always clapping to myself on the inside.

We need to bring the clap back into vogue. Come to think of it, the only other time in modern history where anyone used clap and vogue in the same sentence was to discuss Madonna.

[Kevin]

Forgive my vulgar sensibilities, but type "the clap" into Wikipedia and see where it takes you.

[johnvano]

Ahh, yes, "the clap." Who could forget those 7th grade health videos? Hip sketches to teach you the dangers. In my humble opinion, the naive use of the phrase "the clap" is one of this entry's humorous high points.

[lee lassiter]

I occasionally am the stealthy instigator of clapping during a service should i feel the case warrants it. I feel it is just another extension of my role in leadership.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to stop clapping.

[Susan]

Hey, was "Her" KEP?