Auctioneer & Auctions 25 Feb 2010 07:00 am
The Auction Chant!
One constant about any auction you go to is the Auction Chant. The rhythmic sounds fill the air and people are captivated by what the auctioneer is saying. It is one of the grandest allures of an auction sale and why so many people enjoy them. Take your mind off of the chant for just a second, and you may lose out on what is going on.
Every Auctioneer has his or her own chant. It is something you develop through voice training and alot of practicing. I can remember countless hours spent at Auction school counting numbers, doing tongue twisters, and learning the fillers. As each individual put his/her training to use, each person would begin to develop their own unique cry that they were most comfortable with. And once it set in, it became as easy and smooth as talking! And if you were good, your voice could capture and captivate the audience at any sale.
I have been asked countless times on how one learns the “Auctioneers Chant” or “how to auction?” You can go to YouTube and find countless videos offering to teach you how to chant or some of the basics. If you simply want to know a little more about what the auctioneer is saying, then these can be helpful. However, if you truly want to learn the art of the “chant,” I firmly believe you have to attend a certified auction school and go through the 2-3 week training sessions that can transform a simple request into an Auctioneers Cry that will captivate people all around you.
There are several great schools that offer these training sessions. I personally went to Reppert School of Auctioneering in Indiana. There is also a local school in Nashville and one in Missouri. Any of these or others can be great places to start your career as an auctioneer.
If you ever have any more questions about what it takes to become an auctioneer, or want to discuss the profession, I will be happy to do so!