The correct answer is C. praised.
The word “applauded” means to express approval or admiration by clapping one’s hands. In this case, the audience applauded the speaker’s speech, which means that they approved of it and thought it was good.
The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the audience’s reaction to the speech. Option A, “disapproved,” means to express disapproval or dislike. Option B, “misunderstood,” means to fail to understand something. Option D, “welcomed,” means to receive someone or something with pleasure or satisfaction.
In this case, the audience did not disapprove of the speech, they did not misunderstand it, and they did not welcome it. They simply applauded it, which means that they approved of it and thought it was good.