In an era shadowed by the ominous McCarthy investigations, government spies, like shadows in the night, infiltrated underground political rallies. Their mission: to identify those deemed “dangerous to national security.” These clandestine agents were no ordinary spies; they were trained applause watchers. Their modus operandi? To discreetly photograph and investigate individuals who exhibited distinctive behaviors – those who clapped first, shouted “Bravo” with the greatest fervor, and wore the longest-lasting smiles at the culmination of politically charged speeches. To these covert infiltrators, these were the “dangerous ones.” They believed the first responders possessed a unique quality – the power to persuade and the charisma to lead.
However, the principle of being a first responder isn’t confined to the political arena or sensitive gatherings. It extends to everyday life and interactions. People who instinctively respond first to a presentation, an idea, or an event without the need to gauge the reactions of those around them often possess qualities that mark them as leaders of the highest caliber.
Cool Cats Clap First
Imagine you’re sitting in an auditorium, surrounded by hundreds of employees in your company, all gathered for a presentation by the president. The speaker introduces a new idea, perhaps an initiative to improve company culture, increase profits, or change how things are done. As you sit back in your chair, feeling anonymous in the sea of people, you might believe your reactions to the speaker’s words are invisible. But here’s the truth: nothing could be further from the case. Every shift in your posture, every nod of agreement, every slight smile or frown, is being noticed by the speaker—whether you think so or not.
As someone who has spent considerable time both in the audience and as the one standing at the front, speaking to crowds, I can tell you this: speakers are acutely aware of their audiences. The big and small reactions give immediate feedback to the speaker. Every glance around the room and body language cue tell the speaker something vital about how their message is landing. The speaker doesn’t just want to know how many people are nodding along; they also want to understand who is truly engaged, who is likely to be a future influencer, and who might be resistant or disconnected from the shared message.
The people who get noticed first in a crowd often act quickly. These individuals don’t wait for others to react—they make their responses known early. In any situation, whether it’s a corporate meeting, a casual conversation, or even a political rally, these quick responders are seen as confident individuals who are comfortable enough to lead by example. When you’re quick to smile, clap, or speak up, you signal to those around you that you trust your instincts. And this is one of the most powerful ways to display leadership in any setting.
Moreover, these individuals stand out not just for their energy but for their authenticity. They aren’t reacting based on what others might think or how they expect the crowd to behave. They are reacting because they genuinely resonate with the moment’s message or energy. And this genuine reaction becomes magnetic, encouraging others to follow suit. By taking the first step—starting the applause or expressing your enthusiasm—you set the stage for the rest of the crowd to follow. The person who leads the reaction becomes the one who holds the room’s attention. In short, the cool cats in any crowd are the ones who dare to lead with their emotions and trust their instincts, influencing the group’s behavior simply by taking the first step.
Lead the Listeners
No matter how prominent the big cat behind the podium is, crouched inside is a little scaredy-cat who is anxious about the crowd’s acceptance. Big winners recognize you’re a fellow big winner when they see you leading their listeners in a positive reaction. Be the first to applaud or publicly commend the man or woman you agree with (or want favors from).
Technique #91 – Lead the Listeners
In any room, whether a corporate conference or a more casual gathering, there’s always a moment of uncertainty after a speaker finishes their presentation. The speaker has just poured out their thoughts and ideas, and they’re now waiting for validation. This moment of silence is heavy—will the audience respond positively, or will the applause be tepid at best? In these crucial seconds, the true leaders in the room rise to the occasion. The first person to break the silence by applauding or offering support has just taken the reins. By doing so, they signal to the rest of the room that it’s okay to react positively and that the speaker’s message is worthy of recognition.
But leading the listeners goes beyond just starting the applause. It’s about setting the tone for others engaging with the speaker and the ideas presented. The first person to react is, in a sense, the first person to lead the audience’s emotional response. They are not just expressing personal approval; they are shaping the entire group’s mood. When you support the speaker’s ideas or actions, you set the stage for others to feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts. It’s like a domino effect—the first reaction often creates a wave of similar reactions that follow, building momentum.
Being the first to react is also about demonstrating comfort with your judgment. When you’re confident enough to act without waiting for others to guide you, it signals to the room that you trust your instincts. It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting to see how others will react, but true leaders don’t wait. They act based on their evaluation of the situation. And in doing so, they gain the respect of those around them. People begin to notice the individual who reacts first, the person who is comfortable making their feelings known, and they start to look to that person for guidance. By leading with your reaction, you demonstrate confidence and show others how to engage.
Furthermore, being the first to lead the listeners is not just about applause or visible approval but a deeper understanding of influence. Leading with your reaction makes it easier for others to follow suit. In a way, you create permission for others to engage more fully with the speaker. This simple act of initiating a positive response can inspire others to participate in the conversation, share their thoughts, or even offer applause. In essence, you create an environment where others feel safe to express themselves, just as you did. You lead by what you say and the energy you contribute to the room.
The First Clapper Gets the Attention
It’s no secret that human beings are social creatures. We take our cues from others, often waiting to see how the majority will behave before we take action. In social situations, this is known as “social proof.” However, when it comes to leadership, the person who starts the applause or takes the first step is the one who stands out. The first clapper in any situation is the one who grabs attention—attention from both the speaker and everyone else in the room. This person is sending a clear signal: I’m confident enough to lead with my response and believe in what has just been said.
The “first clapper” concept is more than just a trivial action. It’s a reflection of how influence works in group settings. When you clap first, you become the focal point of the room. Others will inevitably follow, and the applause grows. But this reaction isn’t just about the physical act of clapping—it’s about creating momentum. The first person to react is the one who establishes the tone for the rest of the audience. This small but significant act indicates that the speaker’s message has been received and validated. In a sense, you’re creating a rhythm for others to follow. This kind of leadership doesn’t require a position of power—it requires awareness of the power of your actions, no matter how small they may seem.
The first clapper has an impact far beyond just their immediate reaction. They’re setting the standard for the rest of the crowd by starting the applause or initiating a positive response. They become the model for how others should behave. And in a sense, they’re leading by example. They demonstrate that it’s okay to be enthusiastic, to show support, and to lead with conviction. The first clapper doesn’t need validation from others—they act based on their judgment, and in doing so, they encourage others to do the same.
But there’s another important aspect to the first clapper: timing. It’s not just about being the first to react, but also when you choose to react. The first clapper often does so immediately after the speaker finishes their words, in that brief silence before the room erupts into applause. This demonstrates an instinctive understanding of timing. You don’t wait for everyone else to decide—it’s a calculated move to show that you’re ready to support and lead the way.
The Confidence to Lead
Leadership is not about the loudest voice or the most authoritative presence—it’s about the confidence to act, even when the crowd is unsure. Being the first to applaud or react to a speaker’s words requires self-assurance. It’s about trusting your instincts enough to make the first move. In a room full of people, it’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for someone else to take the lead. But those who do not wait are the ones who get noticed. The first person to stand, clap, or speak up is someone who believes in their judgment and isn’t afraid to show it.
Confidence in leadership doesn’t mean that you’re never unsure or always certain of the right course of action. Instead, it means you dare to make decisions and take action even in uncertainty. The first clapper, the first person to react positively, demonstrates that they trust their judgment enough to act decisively. This quiet confidence is what sets leaders apart from their followers. Leaders know they don’t need permission to lead—they take the initiative, act, and create the path for others to follow.
The confidence to lead is also about being comfortable with your influence. When you react first, you’re not just responding to the speaker’s words—you’re setting the stage for everyone else in the room. By initiating a positive response, you create an environment where others feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and reactions. In this sense, leadership is about creating space for others to participate. When you show that you’re not afraid to take the lead, others will naturally follow, and the group dynamic shifts.
Leaders are the ones who act first. They are the ones who are willing to take the risk of being seen. And in doing so, they gain respect and set the tone for others to follow. Leadership is not about waiting for permission—it’s about creating momentum and inviting others to join you.
Conclusion
True leaders are often the ones who act first in every setting—whether it’s a corporate presentation, a casual meeting, or a public speech. They are the ones who clap first, speak up first, and set the tone for others to follow. These individuals don’t wait for approval or validation from the crowd; they trust their instincts and lead by example. By being the first to react, they not only gain the respect of others but also create an environment where influence can flow freely. Leadership is not about being the loudest or most authoritative voice in the room; it’s about having the confidence to act decisively, even when no one else does. So, the next time you find yourself in a crowd, remember that being the first to take action could be the key to unlocking your leadership potential.
This article is part of the How to Talk to Anyone Series based on Leil Lowndes’ book.