16 Tips for Creating Rich Conversations in #TwitterSpaces That Make Visitors Want to Come Back
I co-host (with @MarkModesti and @NishPatel) a Friday #TwitterSpace. I participate in many others.
Here’s what I’ve found makes for Rich Conversation in a #TwitterSpace.
2 kinds of #TwitterSpace hosts: Consultants, Moderators
- Consultant is there to dispense advice. They will speak >50% of the time, those seeking the advice for the rest.
- Moderator is NOT there to dispense advice, but to ensure RICH CONVERSATION.
Here’s how I MODERATE:
1️⃣ The #TwitterSpace Isn’t About You, It’s About The Experience
YOU’RE not the object of glory. Neither are THEY.
The CONVERSATION is.
2️⃣ Talk Enough At The Start To Set People At Ease
Nothing’s creepier than being in a roomful of people terrified to talk to each other.
3️⃣ Then. Shut. Up.
Give everyone lots of air time.
4️⃣ Identify & Welcome New Arrivals
Keep an eye on who’s just entered the room.
Everyone loves to be recognised.
But do it quickly, without interrupting the flow.
5️⃣ Keep Your Microphone On
Even when you’re not speaking.
Let’s everyone know who’s (quietly) in charge. They need that.
(Exception: If your microphone is causing background noise.)
6️⃣ Confirm To The Current Speaker You’re Listening
Lots of “uh-huh”, “yep”, “sure”, & emoji’s.
Lets them know they’re being heard. They need that, too.
(This matters especially for female speakers.)
7️⃣ Invite The Silent to Speak
Some people have something to say, but they feel shy & intimidated.
Let them know: We want to hear what they have to say.
Often the biggest AHA moment comes from the shyest one in the room.
8️⃣ LAUGH
Tension is always lurking, looking to spoil the party.
Nothing defuses it like laughter. Helps if you have a big guffaw. (I do.)
But even if not, the sound of you laughing will put people at ease.
(Just don’t fake it.)
9️⃣ Ask Great Questions
Nothing focuses the minds in the room like a great question without an answer.
And a Great Answer is always an Even Better Question.
1️⃣0️⃣ Segue to Contributions Others Can Make
The conversation will suddenly turn, and you’ll realise:
Hey! George over there knows all about that.
“George, what do you think?”
1️⃣1️⃣ Don’t Sweat The Numbers
Only 3 people in the Space?
Big deal. Are you having fun? That’s what matters.
1️⃣2️⃣ (Practical tip) If Your Cellphone Overheats, You May Lose Your Microphone
AWK-waaaaaard ….
Before I host, I take my phone out of its case & rest it on a small plastic bag filled with ice.
(Funny? Works. Learned the hard way.)
1️⃣3️⃣ (Practical tip) Don’t Let Your Phone Run Out Of Charge
Uh-ohhhhhh ….
Great way to bring your #TwitterSpace to an impromptu (and irritating) end.
Bye bye, audience.
1️⃣4️⃣ (Practical tip) Use a Plug-In Headset & Microphone
Better sound quality, no background noise.
1️⃣5️⃣ (Practical tip) Automatically Award Speaker Privileges To Your Followers
Not to favour them. It just cuts down your workload as you host.
You can do this in the #TwitterSpace settings at the start of the Space.
1️⃣6️⃣ Take Charge When Necessary
Awkwardness kills conversation.
Repair. Divert. Change the subject. Mute/evict assholes. Be the Consultant (briefly).
Sparingly but firmly.
Follow these guidelines & you’ll create an awesome #TwitterSpace experience that has people coming back!
