What is a key responsibility of an auctioneer during the bidding process?

During the bidding process, a crucial responsibility of an auctioneer is to control the audience to maintain attention. This aspect is vital because an engaged and attentive audience is more likely to participate actively in bidding. The auctioneer must keep the atmosphere lively and ensure that bidders remain focused on the items being sold, as distractions can lead to missed bids or a decrease in competitive bidding.

An auctioneer uses various techniques to engage the audience, such as encouraging enthusiasm and providing information about the items being auctioned. By maintaining this focus, the auctioneer helps create a dynamic environment that can drive up the bids and maximize the auction's success.

The other responsibilities mentioned, such as deciding the final sale price or calculating the buyer's premium, fall outside the immediate duties of the auctioneer during the bidding itself. These tasks might come into play after the auction is completed or within the broader context of auction operations but do not directly pertain to the live bidding process.