Let's hear it for…
exhortative phrase

- a way of encouraging others to recognise someone or something; often by a round of applause, or by cheering.

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WORD ORIGIN

This spoken phrase probably has it's roots in variety show performances such as vaudeville, a popular show format in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th century. Each performance was made up of a series of separate acts that might include musicians, dancers, comedians, trained animals, magicians, female and male impersonators, acrobats or one-act plays.

Announcers were responsible for opening the show and introducing each act. It was their job to encourage the audience to applaud, both during the introduction and at the end of every performance. The phrase "let's hear it for…" or "let's give a round of applause to…" signalled to the audience that it was time to clap, yell, and whistle.

Today, the phrase can be used as a general way of making a tribute or giving recognition to someone or something.

Alternatives might be:

- Please give a (big) hand to…

- Let’s give a round of applause to…

- Let's show our appreciation for…

- Let's put our paws together for... (very informal)

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TALKING POINT

In Germany, seated audiences will sometimes show appreciation by banging their knuckles (Fingerknöchel) on the table. The first time I experienced this, I didn't know whether to be delighted or terrified :) (PS)

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PRACTICE OWAD AT YOUR NEXT EVENT
say something like:

"Let's hear it for the organization team, without whose efforts this whole event would not have been possible."