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There are many ways to show your appreciation for something, even when you don't have both of your hands free. These options are particularly useful when you are at events where not clapping would appear rude or ungrateful, such as a live performance. Clapping with one hand certainly takes practice, but can come in very "handy" when you are holding items, have a wrist or hand injury, or have one hand otherwise occupied.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Clapping with One Hand

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  1. Maintain a comfortable, relaxed hand position and keep your fingers spread.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    Focus on extending your fingers nice and wide before each snap.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    The goal is to create an audible clapping noise each time your hand comes together.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    Once you have perfected the noise with both hands, you can even try clapping both at the same time.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Snapping Your Fingers

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    Apply as much pressure as you can without hurting either finger.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    Your wrist is only used for support and you won't use your other fingers at all.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    Because your middle finger and thumb were pressed together, this should happen quickly and result in a “snap” sound.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    [1]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Second Surface

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  1. Maintain a relatively relaxed hand position.
  2. This could be your leg, the program you are holding in your other hand, or something else that is near you.
    • Try to have this surface chosen before the need to clap arises. This will help you clap smoothly instead of appearing frantic as you find something to use.
    • Don't use anything that will disturb another person, such as a shared armrest that might shake their chair.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clap With One Hand
    It should be hard enough to create noise, but not hard enough to break anything or hurt (if the second surface is your thigh.)
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      Tips

      • To avoid needing to use these methods, think in advance of times where you may need to clap. If you are at a performance, pay attention to when the song is almost over so you can free up both hands.
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