Last week, my husband and I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the amazing Shawn Colvin and Marc Cohn live in concert at Kansas City’s stunning, 125-year-old Folly Theater. Talk about a musical treat! Beyond the soulful tunes and heartfelt lyrics, there was one moment that really struck a chord with me (pun intended).
After performing one of his biggest hits, Marc Cohn said something so simple yet so profound to the audience: “When I’m done singing and you’re done clapping… clap a little longer.” And you know what? We happily obliged, cheering and applauding with extra gusto. The smile on Marc’s face was priceless. He kept referring back to that request throughout the night, praising us for being such great clappers. It was a small thing, but it created this wonderful, positive energy that flowed between the stage and the seats.
Driving home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how powerful Marc’s words were – and not just in the context of a concert. What if we applied that “clap a little longer” philosophy to our everyday lives and interactions?
Imagine complimenting a coworker on a job well done, and then adding one more specific thing you appreciate about their work. Picture your child proudly showing you a drawing, and after praising it, you elaborate on the details you love. Consider thanking your barista for your morning latte, and then tacking on a genuine “I hope you have a great rest of your day!”
These small acts of going above and beyond in our praise, gratitude and encouragement can make such a difference. They’re like bonus applause for the soul, uplifting the people around us and fostering more positive connections. Marc Cohn definitely inspired me to be a little more generous with my metaphorical applause.
So next time you have the chance, remember to clap a little longer – literally or figuratively. Pile on the positivity and give someone an extra boost of good vibes. Let’s make the world smile, one “encore” at a time!
Happy Networking!
P.S. – It was so beautiful to hear Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin together on stage at The Folly. I created this Spotify playlist based on the set list from the concert. Take a listen and enjoy!