Welcoming the Guest

• 1). Rise from your seat when the sergeant at arms of the House or his assignee announces the invited speaker's name, and applaud as they enter the chamber from the back entrance. Extend your palm for a handshake with the speaker if you are within arm's length of the center aisle or sitting along the right side of the dais.
  
  
• 2). Take a seat when the speaker of the House calls the joint session to order by gavel, typically when the guest has reached the dais.
  
  
• 3). Stand and applaud the guest when the speaker of the House has introduced him. Focus your eyes on the two people standing behind the guest, the speaker and the vice president of the United States (in his capacity as President of the Senate), or the president pro tempore of the Senate in his place. Follow their lead on when to sit and hear the guest address the joint session of Congress.
  
  
• 4). Rise to applaud the guest speaker as the address ends and continue until he has exited the House chambers. Shake hands with the guest as he exits if you were not given the opportunity to extend your greetings as he entered.
  
  

Applauding Partnership, Partisan Politics

• 1). Stand to applaud the president or speaker's invited guests, who will be sitting in the back gallery above the entrance from which the president entered. Face the guests and applaud their presence in the House chamber.
  
  
• 2). Listen carefully to the invited speaker's message for implied partnership or cooperation if the speaker is a foreign dignitary. Stand and applaud the guest for extending goodwill to the United States and each time he voices favor for interests shared by our two nations.
  
  
• 3). Carefully consider the president's agenda when he addresses the Congress. Remain mindful of your political party's position on the issue and the wishes of constituents in your Congressional district. Rise to applaud the president's points when they are both politically expedient to your party or affiliation's agenda and in accord with your own beliefs.
  
  
• 4). Stand to applaud the president or speaker when their remarks serve to honor America at large, its shared values, military serving in the U.S. and abroad, and the continued strength of our nation. Observe members of your own party or political affiliation for guidance on when standing is appropriate, if you are unsure.