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Clapping

Enterprise crew members applauding a speech by Jonathan Archer

Yellow-skinned alien clapping

Stiff alien clapping

For the collectible company, please see Applause, Inc..

Among many cultures, applause was a sign of respect and approval. The act of applause was also known as clapping.

Following a speech given by Minister Nathan Samuels announcing the formation of the Coalition of Planets, he received a round of applause. When Captain Jonathan Archer noticed his chief engineer, Trip Tucker's clap, was rather lackluster. After Archer pointed out to Tucker that "people were watching," he added "clap louder. That's an order." (ENT: "Demons")

On the planet 892-IV, the television network Empire TV used an applause machine for the studio audience in their televised Roman arena games. (TOS: "Bread and Circuses")

Two Federation alien delegates at the Khitomer Conference clapped rather stiffly, one with his arms complete stretched, the other slightly more relaxed. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Ligonians tapped together two carved ivory-like sticks to signal applause or approval. (TNG: "Code of Honor")

In 2367, Reginald Barclay and Doctor Beverly Crusher performed a scene from Cyrano de Bergerac in the theater of the USS Enterprise. Despite an awkward and halting performance by Barclay, the crew, senior officers included, presented a round of applause and comments of approval for both Crusher and Barclay. Lieutenant Commander Data was confused at the applause for Barclay's "adequate" performance until First Officer William T. Riker explained that "it's polite." (TNG: "The Nth Degree")

Bajorans and Wadi applauded by clapping the back of one hand into the palm of the other. Cardassian applause was generated by tapping a table or armrest with a clenched fist. (DS9: "Move Along Home", "In the Cards", "Tribunal", "Sons and Daughters")

Applause Machine

Applause machine used by Empire Television Network on 892-IV

For Humans, applause was performed by clapping both palms together. This method was also used by non-Human Starfleet officers, and others within the Federation. In 2376, it was copied by the Qomar, who used it in appreciation of musical performances. This type of applause was also in use on Kelis' species in the Delta Quadrant. (VOY: "Virtuoso", "Muse")

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