Main content

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)

Available now

23 minutes

Last on

Mon 10 Apr 2017 04:32GMT
成人快手 World Service East Asia & South Asia only

More episodes

Previous

Why do Men Want Six Packs?

Next

Underground

See all episodes from The Why Factor

Clip

Broadcasts

  • Mon 3 Apr 2017 12:32GMT
    成人快手 World Service except News Internet
  • Mon 3 Apr 2017 21:06GMT
    成人快手 World Service except News Internet
  • Tue 4 Apr 2017 01:32GMT
    成人快手 World Service except News Internet
  • Mon 10 Apr 2017 04:32GMT
    成人快手 World Service East Asia & South Asia only

Get the podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes for free

Why do we look the way we do?

Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?

Podcast

  • The Why Factor

    The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions