Buzz
Even if you’ve never been to a live auction, you’ve likely witnessed the auctioneer’s rapid-fire speech on TV or in movies. It often goes something like this:
“HeycanIheartwohundredtwohundredgivemetwohundred…three…doIhearthreehundred…four…will you give me four…fourhundredandsold.”
It’s entertaining, but is it truly necessary? Why do auctioneers, especially in livestock auctions, seem to be speaking at double speed?
Vox spoke with world champion livestock auctioneer Brandon Neely from the Livestock Marketing Association to uncover the reasoning behind the rapid speech. It boils down to something similar to a rhythmic beat; by speaking quickly, auctioneers create a sense of urgency in the minds of buyers.
However, 'the chant,' as these swift narrations are called, isn’t quite as fast as you might think. According to Neely, “The speed that sounds fast is not that fast.” He explains, “If you break down an auctioneer's chant and remove all the filler words, it’s just 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”
Filler words are the glue that connects the action during the auction: phrases like “Do I hear,” “Come on,” and others. Auctioneers typically blend these phrases together to form a rhythmic, almost melodic, humming sound.
This rhythmic cadence can actually work to ease bidders into a trance-like state, making them more eager to respond when the auctioneer calls for a higher bid.
Creating this near-hypnotic chant is just one aspect of an auctioneer’s role. They also need to be knowledgeable about the items (or livestock) being auctioned, while keeping an eye out for serious bidders in the crowd. Not everyone can be an auctioneer; many states require licensing, and it takes considerable practice to master the craft.
Where does all the energy come from? For some auctioneers, it’s deeply personal. They can earn between 10 to 20 percent of the sale price for their work.
