Reasons Why Audiences Applaud at the End Of a Speech

Often speakers think that their audiences applaud and give standing ovations because they are a good speaker. Sadly, this is not always (actually, it’s rarely) the case. Here is a list of reasons why your audience might applaud at the end of you speech.

• The speech is over… finally
• The speech is short
• You have a powerful story (overcoming paralysis, climbing Mount Everest, surviving Cancer, etc.)
• The information you gave was helpful (even though your delivery was terrible)
• You are the boss, and they don’t want to hurt your feelings
• You tried and they applaud the effort
• They are happy the next speaker/headliner is coming next
• You are someone important
• They feel bad for you and don’t want you to feel embarrassed
• You announced some happy news at the end (“A new car for everyone in the audience!”)
• You have a powerful message and are an excellent speaker

We are a very polite society. We applaud for many reasons other than “you have a powerful message and are an excellent speaker.” Don’t make the mistake of judging the success of you speech solely on the applause you receive at the end.