#170: The Buzzer Trilogy — Part 3: Golden Buzzer.

We all need and want praise. It is great to receive «four yeses». But then, there is this.

The emotions triggered by the Golden Buzzer are hard to describe, even for me who only watches them on Youtube. During a recent baking all-nighter, I watched hours of Golden Buzzer moments of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. It made me cry again and again.

For those on the receiving end of a Golden Buzzer, it is the reward for their performance, but not only that. It is also a payback for the hours, days, weeks, months and years of preparing for that moment.

It makes them feel special as the Golden Buzzer moments are rare.

There is also the perspective of those having the power to press the button. We all know that with great power comes great responsibility. Hence, they have to be careful as its inflationary use would also reduce its value.

And yet, the consequences could potentially be life-changing for those on stage. I am not just thinking of a record deal and fame. Such experience can increase someone’s self-worth exponentially. It can easily turn a «should I?» to a «I can!»

It made me think about the way I am giving praise to others.

Where is my Golden Buzzer?

How to design the Golden Buzzer experience?

When to press it?

Food for thought.