Translated and carried by Raymond Zhou blog:
I was once invited to the taping of a TV show and before the cameras started to roll a young man came on stage and asked everyone in the audience to practice applauding. At first, the applause was weak, but repeated efforts turned it into a thunderous ovation. It was as if everybody had just heard an important official’s speech.
When I caught the show on air, our loud-applause practise session was added when the MC appeared. I now understand that this off-screen cheerleader is a new species called the “Applause Leader.” The need for his talent is understandable. The Spring Festival Eve gala, known for being splashy, shallow and phoney, probably gives more emphasis to the applause than to hosting. This all leads me to question whether our joy is really heartfelt, and whether we Chinese really have a sense of humor….[Full Text]
