As an auction attendee, you’re likely familiar with the sound of the auctioneer’s “chant,” that rhythmic rolling talk that occurs when the auctioneer is asking for bids, confirming bids, receiving and then declaring the winning bid on an item.

But what is he or she saying in between the bid numbers?

The auctioneer is using “filler words.” The filler words are put in to add rhythm, and to take up space and time between the bids being called, while also keeping your attention and the momentum of the auction process.

Filler words are usually small words. An example of filler words is:
“1 dollar bid, now 2, now 2, will ya give me 2?”
“2 dollar bid, now 3, now 3, will ya give me 3?”
“3 dollar bid, now 4, now 4, will ya give me 4?”

The filler words are everything except the numbers. Filler words are used to remind buyers of the last number bid (the offer received) and to give buyers time to consider whether they want to bid higher.

The chant also serves to entertain the audience and make the auction a special experience. Some auctioneers also include comments in their chant such as “This item is honey for the money.”

Many auctioneers are very proud of the chant they have developed, and of the history of chanting that goes back hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of years. The chant is often learned in auction school, where instructors teach students with speaking drills that begin slowly and gain speed.

The style of chant varies among different types of auctions and parts of the world. In America, auto auctioneers talk very fast because of the fast pace of cars moving through a line that they must sell quickly. Their most frequent customers, auto dealers, easily understand the fast talk. Auctioneers doing estate auctions or art auctions often speak slower because the pace of the auction is slower.

Some auctioneers do not chant at all. Auctioneers in England rarely do the chant, nor do high-end art or jewelry auctioneers.

Auctioneers today acknowledge that their primary responsibility in their chant is for the bids to be clearly understood by the audience. The entertainment aspect is far less important. The next time you attend an auction, listen to the chant and notice the filler words and other aspects discussed in this article. Also notice how the ringpersons interact with the auctioneer and bidders in rhythm with the chant. The auctioneer controls the follow of the action through his chant and directions from the podium. He or she is the ringmaster and the chant is one tool of control.

Reprinted by permission of the National Auctioneers Association.
Source, Auction Advantage