I listen for a buzz. We want to create an environment and a setup before an event so that people are buzzing. When it’s over, we want that same buzz or more.
The good buzz sounds like people talking to each other excitedly. They will be talking a little bit loud to be heard over those around them. Laughter. Dynamic range in their voice tones and volume.
If we don’t have this, we’ve failed. I’ve been to some events where the thing ends in applause, then silence as people shuffle out of the theater with smiles on. This is the worst! This is what happens when the energy and motivation has been sucked out of the audience. Someone who’s not looking for the buzz might think this was successful.
Applause, smiles, and even compliments are fools’ gold. They could be signs of a good moment, or they could be signs that the audience feels they need to perform for the creators.
We want to strive to open folks up to the energy within them. Power them up and set them free. Let them feel life!