Standing Ovations are a wonderful sight to behold. Ovations are the audiences way of letting us know we did a great job! Standing O’s gives us a sense of accomplishment and give us that feeling that we are doing what we are meant to do in life. So, exactly how do you get a standing ovation? Some performers ask for them, but that seems to cheapen the reward at the end. Here are some techniques that work well for me.
A Heart Tugging Quote Can Be an Effective Close
The most effective technique that I have discovered for getting a standing ovation is a close with a heart tugging quote and a slight bow of the head. If you use this technique, remember that it’s important to pause immediately after the quote. Here are some of the quotes I’ve used in the past:
- It is said that when you were born people that care about you cried, when you pass on, people who care about you will cry… it is up to you as to how much they will laugh while you are alive. Thank you for sharing your time with me.
- In the words of that greatest clown of all Red Skelton, talents are gifts from God and when we use those talents, they are gifts to God.
The Red Skelton quote is especially effective to use with other entertainers.
Get Them On Their Feet
Another effective technique for getting a standing ovation is to ask the audience to gather their belongings and please stand. With that you can thank them for a standing ovation! This technique is a little bit of a smart-aleckish. but most people take it in the spirit of fun.
Try This Only If You Did a Good Job
One final idea for eliciting a great response from your audience is to inform the them that you have made an unconditional guarantee to the person who hired you that you would not accept payment unless there was an “unsolicited” standing ovation. Pause, then repeat the statement. If the audience liked you then they will laugh, stand and clap for you. However, if they did not like you or were not entertained, they will most likely camp out there so that you will not be paid!
And here’s a tip: I have discovered that an audience needs to be taught to clap for a funny line or routine, but not in a way that is condescending. You can cue the audience to clap with a pause and a slight bow. After a powerful routine. The audience will clap for the effect 50% of the time. However, with a pause and a slight bow of the head, the audience will clap 100% of the time.
Remember, the audience will reward a humble and entertaining performer more than any other. So that’s it folks, thanks for sharing your time with me (my head is slightly bowed now and I am pausing…)
About SteveKissell
As a clown, humorist, author and motivational speaker, Steve has performed in 46 states and 5 countries! Yes, Steve Kissell has been performing for 25 years at conventions, schools, churches, libraries, birthday and holiday parties. He also shares the performing arts of clowning, comedy magic, and storytelling.
Contact Steve at: kisselltalks@cs.com or Visit Steve's Website
