Clapping
Why do we clap? Becky Milligan uncovers how the highly contagious nature of applause has been exploited by everyone from Roman emperors to today's politicians.
Why do we clap? Becky Milligan uncovers how the highly contagious nature of applause has been exploited by everyone from Roman emperors to today's politicians . She explores the different styles and rhythms. And how it can make us feel on top of the world or make us want to crawl under a stone.
With Historian Greg Aldrete, theatre critic Anne Treneman, music academic Dr Marcus Pearce, Mathematician Richard Mann, comedian Mark Cooper-Jones and former Women's Institute Chairman Helen Carey.
(Photo: A pair of hands clapping on black background. Credit:BravissimoS/Shutterstock)
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Is clapping contagious?
Duration: 01:28
Broadcasts
- Mon 3 Apr 201712:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Mon 3 Apr 201721:06GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Tue 4 Apr 201701:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Mon 10 Apr 201704:32GMTBBC World Service East Asia & South Asia only
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