Clapping Hands

Clapping hands during oral storytelling isn't just a sound effect, it serves as a rhythmic punctuation.

Clapping can energize the audience, drawing them into the story and keeping them captivated. A clap can highlight a key moment in the narrative, signaling a turning point or a surprising revelation. Sometimes, the storyteller might initiate a clapping pattern, inviting the audience to respond, creating a sense of participation and shared experience through this call and response. Clapping (by audience and storyteller) can also add a percussive layer to the storytelling, complementing any singing or drumming that might be present.

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Hand clapping variations

Expressing grief
Expressing frustration
Indicating speed
Rythmic pacing