The Art of Pausing for Applause

Anyone who watched the opening and closing ceremonies of the Youth Olympic Games would have noticed that the speeches by Mr Ng Ser Miang were very well choreographed. It was written and planned to the second, probably by a junior staff member.

This is what we think was on his hard-copy transcript.

Photo: ChannelNewsAsia

"Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore,

Mr Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee,

Friends and Colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have done it!!

We have delivered the inaugural Youth Olympic Games!!!

(Pause.)

(Look at crowd.)

(Wait for applause.)

Young Olympians, blah blah blah. Thank you Chefs de Mission, team officials, coaches and Athlete Role Models ...

(Pause.)

(Look at crowd from left to right. Good speech etiquette.)

(Wait for applause.)

The journey for the last 2 ½ years has been exhilarating and fulfilling. Thank you friends. Blah blah blah. Thank you, President Jacques Rogge for your vision...

(Pause.)

(Look earnestly at crowd.)

(Wait for applause. Wait for applause.)

(Applause finally comes.)

My fellow Singaporeans, we have worked hard together to host the world. We have fulfilled our promises and undertakings and made Singapore proud. Thank You, Terima Kasih, Xie Xie, Mi Ker Nandri.

(Pause. Long pause if required until obligatory applause comes after awkward silence.)

More thank you you and thank you him and thank you her.

(Pause. Look even more earnestly at crowd. Soak in the atmosphere. Indulge in the final moments of glory. Just wait for applause.)

Thank you!

(FINAL pause. Final applause. Wait for fireworks. Wait for screams. Wait for clappers. Wait for cheers. Wait till everyone in the crowd and at home watching the television feel compelled to do something, anything.)"

- Phew. Finally done. Experience in PSLE Oral Examinations does come in handy 50 years on. -