Edward Bowes’ Gong

Origin
Edward Bowes was an American radio personality of the 1930s and '40s whose Major Bowes' Amateur Hour was the best-known amateur talent show in radio during its eighteen-year run. In the early days of the show, whenever a performer was simply too terrible to continue, Bowes would stop the act by striking a gong. Bowes heard from thousands of listeners who objected to his terminating these acts prematurely, so he abandoned the gong in 1936.

Effects
Everybody within the area will stop whatever it is they’re doing when the gong is rung. All affected will become confused and look at the user for answers, giving them their momentarily undivided attention.