Why do auctioneers talk like that

Customization and personalization available. Your email has been sent! This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Newest 3 Comments I had a friend way back when who worked for an auction house. He told me the auctioneer would incorporate within his banter instructions to house staff on the floor whose purpose was to subtly encourage or goad particular bidders identified by the auctioneer as susceptible "marks.

Of course, for all I know the guy was full of crap Abusive comment hidden. One theory is it comes from midth century tobacco auctioneers who sold their goods in Virginia, and the chant spread from there. The style is still highly associated with the southern United States , and not all auctions use it.

Those bid callers use a quieter, slower European style of selling items. Auctioneer chant is, above all, efficient. While electronic methods like eBay can outstrip human ability, the most prolific auctioneers are able to pull off impressive feats of mass sales. The laws vary by state, but you may indeed need to get a specific license, which you can do through an accredited auctioneering school.

There are many other skills required, including accounting, ethics and law. There are many resources online, like those put out by the Western School of Auctioneering. Speaking of Emily Wears, she's actually an award-winning auctioneer : yes there are awards for this line of work. And while she's probably best known for her tenure on Storage Wars , she's made a pretty great career for herself outside of the popular reality TV series.

Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. How does that work?

Well, it's deeply rooted in the psychology of rhythm. Auctioneers talk fast to basically hypnotize you into buying things. But the curriculum isn't just centered on fast-talking techniques.