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Please Clap: The Need for Validation in Comedy

Comedy is meant to be enjoyed, laughed at, and appreciated by the audience. Comedians aim to make people laugh, think, and feel things they wouldn't normally experience. But what happens when the laughter subsides and all that's left is silence? This is where the need for validation comes in.

Validation is an essential part of any art form, and comedy is no different. It's the acknowledgement that the audience appreciates and enjoys the performance, and it can come in many forms. Applause, cheers, hoots, and hollers are all forms of validation. One of the most prominent forms of validation is "please clap."

"Please clap" has become a meme in comedy circles recently. It's a reference to former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush's 2016 Presidential campaign speech. In the speech, Bush delivers a joke, but the punchline falls flat. As the audience sits in silence, Bush says, "please clap." The phrase has since become a shorthand for comedians seeking audience validation.

The need for validation isn't unique to comedy; it's something that all performers crave. However, in comedy, it's essential. Without validation, comics are left with a feeling of emptiness and failure. It can lead to self-doubt and ultimately impact their performances.

Validation helps to build confidence, which is crucial for comedians. It allows them to push boundaries, experiment, and take risks. Comedians know if a joke doesn't land, there won't be any laughs, but having an audience that will appreciate their craft and grant them a "please clap" is a reminder that there's still an appreciation for their work.

Audience members can help too. Laughter is a form of validation for comics, but so is simply being engaged in the performance. Engaged audience members give comedians energy, and that energy can be used to elevate the performance even more. Sometimes, all it takes is a nod or a smile to let a comedian know they're doing well.

In conclusion, validation is crucial for comics. While it's tempting to dismiss "please clap" as a meme, it's much more than that. It represents the need for validation in comedy and reminds us of its importance. Without validation, comedians are left feeling empty. So when you attend a comedy show, remember to laugh, engage and don't be afraid to give a "please clap." It might seem like a small thing, but it could mean everything to the performers on stage.