What Does It Take to Be an Auctioneer at Sotheby’s? | Meet the Auctioneer: Phyllis Kao

[@bonwatcher]

I think this is why people gravitate to watch these auctions on video, it's an art form in itself. Little parts of a conductor, a performer, a psychologist, a businessman and even a comedian, but always to the point of getting that next higher bid. It is entertaining to watch the different auctioneers and their styles when they do their thing.

[@MaryJane-lt8wi]

This is so profound what you said, and seriously true !

[@clowicous]

I absolutely love videos about jobs just because coming from a regular middle class family who’ve all worked the same jobs over and over again from retail to fast food and even nannying I don’t realize how much other jobs there are out there in the world and how much work is out into it. I’ve heard of an auctioneer but not once thought how it works, pretty cool stuff~

[@LM-ch8rh]

i love your comment and share your curiosity about things.

[@saturnianali8r]

Something very interesting is to watch her running an auction and compare that to auctioneers from the channel- Great Big Story's "Perfect Your Speed Talking at This Auction School" or Vice News' "What The Hell Are Livestock Auctioneers Actually Saying?". Totally different atmosphere and way of talking. They have a rolling chant and she goes a lot slower and clearer.

[@cbh4166]

@@saturnianali8r yes! I was expecting her to speak quickly/rhythmically like the southern style, I had no idea about this style

[@4ever4given01]

@@saturnianali8rYeah, interesting to consider how different their target audience is.

[@Elizabeth-n3v2u]

Retail, fast food and nannying are all working class jobs? Unless you were working in management

[@hetoako]

love how she commands the room with grace, elegance and quiet confidence that stems from a deep understanding and appreciation for her work ❤

[@JrsBoatRocker]

The hair thing for her was spot on 👏🏾 it’s become her uniform. She presents totally different off the clock with her hair down. This was very interesting to see.

[@STKTSTKT]

What an amazing speaker. She oozes with charisma, gravitas

[@msperkins8310]

The HAIR is EVERYTHING 💕

[@OriginalJetForMe]

I love the way she leans so intently.

[@Foxinthetree]

I gotta say the team did a great job with this. Music, editing, everything.

[@McKelT]

She’s very good at her job! You can tell she’s established the brand of who she is and has a certain charisma at what she does that is very engaging.

[@467-k1m]

And with grace.

[@beckwilde]

Having her being Taiwanese is even more inspiring, she's so awesome

[@hellskitchenkritterandfrie3372]

I recently discovered her and love watching and learning

[@chantalchar]

She is incredible. She inspires me with her composure, humor, and charisma

[@serenevil]

`an orchestra tuning is the best possible opening backing track choice ever. kudos whoever made that decision.

[@timuryorkart]

It's a joy to watch Phyllis Kao stir the energy in the room, she is among the best! Add to that, the art direction and production quality of the video is fantastic.

[@PodcastUFO]

I was there at the beginning with you, Phyllis! so happy to see things working out sway, you’re a gift to the auction world!

[@I_am_Lauren]

She absolutely commands the room and knows how to perfectly read her audience! You can tell that she is an expert!

[@guywarwick9060]

I respect the amount of preparation that it takes to get ready for an auction: reviewing the art works; clients; and collectors with known interests in a particular genre (along with the pieces that they are known to own). To paraphrase Seneca, good luck is being sufficiently well prepared to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.

[@sodapop6447]

Phyllis is such a strong proof that we really do find the path we’re meant to walk when we have people who see us & believe in us.

[@peace-or2cp]

My grandfather was a noted local auctioneer. While a source of pride for the family, auctioneers had their detractors because they would auction off the belongings of people who had no other source of income and those who lost or were in danger of losing their homes. I wonder what he would think about today's auction landscape! Kao is an amazing presence and wonderful to watch.

[@regularlyirregular8876]

I loved this already and then I spotted her Kaweco fountain pen. She's pure class, what a talent!

[@tiffanypaul8755]

She is Absolutely Beautiful. She has a Fun Personality and I think that helps a lot. Most Auctions and Auctioneers I've seen are so Serious. She seams to have really put the Work in and Loves what she's doing. That makes it Fun and Exciting to Watch.

[@leminoade]

no idea what i'm doing here but this is lit. love her

[@denisefromdc1796]

My favorite auctioneer! I love when you lean over the box and look intently at a bidder. You're also very graceful when you do it! 💙

[@nancythomas1830]

She’s one of my favorite auctioneers and I found this personal look at her journey intriguing . I don’t know why I expected her to be less engaging because she is such a badass in the box but I’m glad to have been wrong. She’s delightful.

[@iliketowatch1978]

I had no idea! So illuminating for only 6 mins. PS: Phyllis you did that girl, continue to slay.

[@silentstarr5]

Greetings from Toronto. Phyliss Kao and Helena Newman, her colleague at Sotheby's, are wonderful auctioneers. They add a sense of style, sophistication, gravitas and an added hint of levity at times. The one element of the video left out was the theatrical and dramatic art of the rostrum lean to each side. Oliver has that nailed to perfection. I just started watching the auction videos and appreciate the artist profiles which precede the auction. It helps to place context when the art arrives for its sale moment. Listening to Helena and the amazing international team discuss the art is bliss. I would love to be invited to be in the auction showroom just once. Add to bucket list.

[@kokopopping]

The production value of this video was so enjoyable, it helps that Phyllis is so engaging.

[@matthewshatto6787]

As a former professional musician, I love the analogy to dance and conducting. But as a current law student, the most fitting I believe is a trial lawyer. The way we play to a jury of 12, you perform for the buyers. It requires solid foundation but ultimately apropos improvisation and a connection with that audience. Absolutely amazing

[@madfoxcityemnau6414]

The art exposure in this job is absolutely mindbending. ❤it!

[@sanchari.c]

What a wonderful personality.

[@4ever4given01]

Wow, she is definitely charismatic. Loved this video because it reminds me that there really are a lot of interesting jobs out there beyond the standard set of healthcare and high-tech jobs my family recommends to me.

[@cometasporelcielo]

at least your family is showing you options for actually making a decent income. a lot of people i went to school with got told "follow your passion!" and then went and got masters degrees in english and are having trouble paying the bills now. at 40.

[@Paulco67]

High style, Grace, charisma, intelligence. She has it all.

[@mshkolazmarz]

Love Phyllis Kao, such a magnet & inspiration for young, aspiring Art connoisseurs !

[@LifeofGie_613]

She is so elegant. 🫶

[@kristine6996]

Looks, seductive in a professional way, class, elegance and clear body language and passion for art, artists and people. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Watch and learn. 🦋

[@watsonaqua4560]

This lady is a star. Pure and simple.

[@jujub4553]

Ooh loved this piece! So fascinating! I would love to attend an auction and just observe

[@johnbecay6887]

let's binge some Phyllis Kao.

[@tomiosf]

OMG Phyllis, I just stumbled on this! So amazing to see you!

[@jarodmoses1126]

@sotheby’s I pray and hope I can work for a prestige auction house such as yours! And I’ve been finding antiques with my family since 1993! Not terrific but giving a chance I can amazing you with what I was self taught!

[@ILoveWoolerbear]

Sounds and seems fascinating! What a lively and powerful position to have! I'd like to know how you deal with people who are difficult to work with.

[@RainPariss]

She's incredible and someone should be writing a film right now or I will

[@andrearobinson7856]

Phyllis! I just came upon this by chance. I’m glad I could see you in your element. Stunning

[@zeeshansuhail]

This was so fascinating to watch! And superb effort on the part of your Comms department :)

[@h8shunlou]

Great video! What's the song that plays in the background @4:00?

[@ladybugleader]

I wanna know the song that played at the last 30 seconds

[@michaelxu7515]

Buoyant by Slumberville

[@h8shunlou]

@@michaelxu7515 I appreciate you soo much right now...THANKS!!!

[@MelissaRae1975]

I wish there was more behind the scenes and info shared....While she is well spoken, educated and has a gorgeous presence about her it was a let down of a vid.

[@joannaoseguera5]

facts, i needed more of her!

[@looool8250]

She is so sophisticated!

[@zonuphaon]

Here I thought I was gonna hear people talking at a mile a minute.

[@MarkT1700]

That only happens at a low class auction lmao

[@jarretyoshida883]

What an amazing video seeing a pro do what they love. Great insights to a usually secret world.

[@andrewc.2952]

She's so cool and has the aire of a movie star. Go get 'em girl!

[@Soulkal1979]

It’s crazy how much money people have and the ease in which they spend it… every aspect of their life is elevated

[@JustKiddingNYC]

I am most fascinated by the bay area accent that has just a little bit of RP in it

[@krystalh8372]

spot on!

[@kagomekirari25]

Her manner of speaking is captivating

[@Snowchild410]

She’s so talented and charismatic

[@JS-te2vj]

That's the home tour that would make Millions on youtube!

[@annacanada1592]

Such a mesmerizing and intelligent woman. I am in awe!

[@jessiejoseph1093]

I love watching Ms. Kao! What a great video!

[@MzTeenUSA]

Asian excellence. Preach queen!!

[@dcd70]

I just watched her auction off the $44M Apex dinosaur skeleton. I agree, she is a master at her craft. What I don't quite understand is how, if the buyers are not present but on the other end of the phone line, is her skillful performance/salesmanship swaying them? I see how she is coaxing and toying with the Sotheby employees we see on the phones, but how is it directly influencing the potential buyers? Unless they are all watching a live stream of the auction? Someone explain please?

[@ladybugleader]

03:08

[@InspirationLabs-ff8vf]

So charming, graceful, and intelligent ❤

[@laurenjessica8871]

So interesting!! Love the behind the scenes and perspective :)

[@JoyceHau]

I love you Phyllis!! So proud of you!! 😍

[@SabzeeS]

She’s so brilliant

[@alsaulso1332]

More videos on the back workings of Sotheby's people are interested!! loved this video Phyllis is adorable!

[@SUMLIGHTZ]

Nice to know about a world I’ll never be able to touch

[@cu7695]

The auctioneer is great and Sotheby's looks like great place to work if you're okay with ignoring how many of the artifacts get stolen from other countries to magically appear there. Sotheby's literally created a hidden industry of robbers who steal artifacts well after colonization

[@NoNameNumberTwo]

Cool story, bro.

[@MiniM69]

And, how much of the work of great masters will never see the light of day again.

[@gaiamorgosi7181]

This is such an amazing job, honestly.

[@AnimalComp]

Why did it sound like I was turning on my 2006 Windows computer in the beginning 😂

[@GabiMiko]

so inspiring!!! love it!!!

[@hasellnutt]

Loved this video, nicely done.

[@ANEWCreationLimited]

Very, very interesting. Now I'm going to see when the next auctions are at Sotheby's Hong Kong ❤

[@BxRoth76]

shes very entertaining to watch auction items, cheers

[@MysteriMustacheToast]

Such a lovely well spoken lady to represent beautiful Taiwan 💕🇹🇼

[@user-er6gk1wi8y]

are the transitions ai-generated?

[@I_am_Lauren]

one day my artwork will be well known enough to be at a Sotheby's auction! I work in the non-profit arts sphere and the incredible artists I'm exposed to regularly are inspiring!

[@wranglergrrl]

Omg. She’s an actual auctioneer?! I just saw Phyllis on an Alexis Bittar reel and thought the casting director hired an actress-I just thought it was will acted especially the “Fair warning” bit.

[@devonwaddup]

I just watched a video of Phyllis selling a dinosaur skeleton and now I'm entranced by her charisma

[@Xiasaki]

her comment about tying her hair up is so interesting cause I was struck by how much her presence changes having her hair up or down.

[@Faze-2]

This was very well done

[@kymaneezmom]

❤🎉wow this is exceptional. Thank you

[@rolandmosh5641]

Please post more of such videos

[@alysonwong818]

This is fascinating. I had no idea this was a job!

[@seanwang7239]

Her hair is iconic

[@SaSa-fs8sb]

Communication skills , eloquence in English language. Linguistics of the highest calibre

[@lebanator]

Loved this!

[@ViyabiSirathanongsil]

She is so inspiring make me want to put in more work so I could one day become a successful person in my traits too

[@Igbtq]

literally one of my dream jobs

[@aonion2915]

3:59 Dan and Phil The Sims?

[@ILikeBirds80]

How very fascinating.

[@e-lagarto]

How do I get her look??

[@467-k1m]

Thank you so much for your presentation. I have often wondered about this interesting topic for many years now. Sotheby's gives me the rush needed to keep me engaged. How shall I say it?, "others do not." (L0L) Sincerely and best, Mr. Holliday at 81+ years old. (Sentebay)

[@sienabrown2612]

She is SO classy oh my gosh

[@kellyharrington6238]

She is so charming!

[@OriginalJetForMe]

I really want an international spy thriller action movie where the auctioneer is the action hero, starring her.

[@essferg85]

She is captivating. Would love to go to dinner with her and listen to her stories.

[@5710fpilot]

She's amazing, having been to auctions, it's imperative to be personal. I'm shocked the amount of money in that room, on metal chairs. 😂😂😂

[@mrdompaul]

Obsessed. 🙌🏽

[@nejafeja]

Really enjoyed the insights

[@awahlmubdi4372]

Live auctions are and will be the best. It will as be classic. No one does better than Sotheby's

[@SaeminAhn]

what presence!

[@almawebber]

She is elegant and snazzy! A joy to watch