system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV: the State of the Union address should take a page from graduation ceremonies and tell everyone to hold their applause until the end

I watch the SOTU address most years - the last few being the exception for obvious reasons - and regardless of whether it's a Democrat or Republican in office, one thing that has always irritated me is the constant interruption of applause.

As it is, the speech is generally nothing more than show.  While it's sometimes used to announce proposed policies, it's usually more or less just a sort of "year in review" mixed with a wish list of "wouldn't it be nice" ideas that rarely take shape.  It's a well meaning address and I think we should continue to have it, but this behavior cheapens it in my opinion.  The constant pausing for people to clap, frequently with a standing ovation, is just jilting.  It gives it an even more "this is just political theater" feel, which in my view serves only to further diminish any semblance of being the sincere and politically relevant speech that it's meant to be.  It's like adding a laugh track to a sitcom.  Let the content speak for itself. 

What is the useful purpose of this?  Can you convince me that it's *better* to interrupt dozens of times instead of just waiting for the end?  Or at least give me a good reason for it other than "why not"?
gpt
The SOTU address *is* political theater, and people often form opinions of the current administration based on Congress’s reactions. Since most people only watch bits and pieces of the address, the only way to ensure that they are tuned in for the applause is to clap intermittently throughout.