Comparison, escalation and the golf clap

We've all encountered a tepid group, an audience that won't make noise, a bunch of disaffected students, or perhaps the distracted masses.

Cat taught me this trick, which gives great insight into human nature.

"Can everyone give me a golf clap, a level one clap, a quiet, polite amount of applause?"

Of course, everyone can do this. This is risk-free, enthusiasm-free and easier to do than not.

"Okay, what does level two sound like? Can you take it up a notch?"

And within a minute, she's created a level-ten tsunami of sound.

Comparison and escalation are at the heart of what makes our culture work.