Excessive Applause

Offering applause as a sign of appreciation for a performance is certainly a courteous gesture, and it’s appropriately used when witnessing a show or presentation. However, Americans have developed a reputation for applauding in various situations—such as at the cinema, for performers who can’t possibly hear them, or even for airplanes landing smoothly. This inclination to applaud frequently is distinctly American.

However, this practice isn’t universally necessary, not even within the United States. It’s advisable to exercise restraint. Going overboard with applause can make you seem like a child who has just discovered clapping. The resounding noise might come across as excessive and unnecessary. It’s not only a matter of reducing the volume of the applause but also of discerning when it’s truly appropriate to clap.