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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Receive your standing O with smile, nod

Judith Martin Universal Uclick

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper etiquette for an individual on the receiving end of a standing ovation?

The case in point was not a performance, but rather a time of recognition for an individual at a board meeting of about 30 people. All participants were seated, while the individual was recognized for lengthy service to the organization. At the end of the spoken recognition, the individual was given a standing ovation.

The recipient of the ovation remained seated while all others present stood and applauded, then, while still seated, thanked the group, at which point the rest of the group sat down.

Should the recipient have stood at some point to acknowledge the ovation, or was it proper to remain seated until the ovation ended and the rest of the group took their seats?

GENTLE READER: The recipient’s job is to look bashfully pleased. This can be done from a sitting position, by first raising the head to show a huge smile, and then dropping it to the chin to show humility. (Note: Miss Manners does not advise declaring that one has been humbled by all that honor. Everyone does say that, but no one seems capable of doing so without a smirk.)

Standing up and spreading one’s arms while murmuring “Thank you, thank you” can be charming, but it requires some drama to bring it off without looking as if one has won the Triple Crown. For the truly bashful, remaining seated may be the wiser choice.