Meeting Etiquette

2. Applause (or, why is there so much clapping?)

One of the first things that struck me about Toastmasters is that there's a lot of clapping. If the energy of all that clapping could be harnessed, it would likely solve every energy crisis we'll ever have. Here's some do's and don'ts as guidelines.

Do:

• Make sure to lead the applause unless you're a speaker (prepared speech, Table Topics, or evaluation). This especially applies to the Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, and General Evaluator. If a speaker is very close to the head of the room, take a second to clap before you take their hand so that the rest of the audience gets the cue.
• Make it a point to stand along with your applause if it's someone's first speech or they just finished the last requirement for an educational award.

Don't:

• Be obnoxious with clapping by doing it too loudly or in an exaggerated fashion.
• Do it on a table or desk.