It Doesn’t Get Better Than the Slow Clap
You know that moment in a movie that will always give you goosebumps? There’s the running through the airport terminal to stop their true love from taking the job in Europe. There’s the sprint and eventual emotional breakdown in the pouring rain. And then, there is the slow clap. There is no question about it — the slow clap is the GREATEST THING EVER. Whether it’s in a movie or in real life, nothing says “You did good, kid!” like the slow clap.
The slow clap is that moment in your life when you’ve achieved the unachievable. You’ve gone against all odds and prevailed. You were lucky enough to have a crowd amassed to witness this great achievement. And then it starts. It only takes one proud person.
CLAP! (Pause for 3 seconds)…CLAP! (Pause for 3 seconds)…CLAP!
Another person catches on, but doesn’t want to out clap the original clapper. Instead of going against it, they too clap/pause/clap. Their friend sees the clap and feels like they don’t want to be left out — clap/pause/clap.
And then it spreads like the Swine Flu. More and more people are clap/pause/clapping. Not to be outdone, some of the crowd claps faster..clap/beat/clap. The crowd is now in a frenzy. Clapping and cheering. Why are we clapping?! Who cares! I think something great just happened!
And then finally there is that last person in the crowd. He’s a leader, not a follower. Nothing is going to make him clap. It’s just not worth it.
But the excitement is infectious. The crowd is roaring. Tears are streaming.
And the crescendo becomes whole.
They did it!
So please check out this slow clap video and do your best not to sob at your desk.
A quick breakdown of what you will see:
1:49 mark – The leader of the slow clap emerges. Notice the guy in front of him giving the slight nod of approval. He knows he’s in for a treat.
1:52 mark – Another clapper, but his friend is not amused. He gives the quick “WTF?! Are you serious?” look.
1:56 mark – These three guys look like the old people you see at a hip hop concert. Doing their best to stay to the beat, but failing miserably.
2:05 mark – “That guy” emerges. Refusing to slow clap, he simply waits until it speeds up to his liking. Never trust “that guy” if you know him in real life. Trust me.
