After hosting a few Twitter Spaces myself, here are a few things I wish I new when I got started.
Twitter Spaces are very similar to Podcasts, however, the communication model is much newer.
The two key differences between Podcasting and Twitter Spaces is that they happen in front of a live audience, and second, is that you can have up to 10 speakers on stage contributing to the conversation.
A lot of the skills that make traditional Podcast hosts successful are likely transferrable to Twitter Spaces, however, there are a few key differences.
Find or Build a community
Authentic community and genuine followings on social media takes work.
However, find a community that in some way feels involved in your success and actually wants to join twitter spaces that are hosted.
Find a great Co-host
In my case, after making a few posts in the community Discords, I received a few direct messages about the excitement from the community.
I don’t think I originally planned on having a co-host but it worked out well.
Two things stood out: Jrocki was taking action from the get-go, and even put together a POAP for our pilot Twitter Spaces.
Unfortunately this process is not easily repeated.
Prepare
Be curious, be interested in other people. Cultivate curiosity for as many unique interests as possible, and let that curiosity come through when talking to other speakers.
Ask specific questions.
Do some preparation – look them up and find other stuff they have talked about. Find answers they have given, and ask about something specific.
Dig deep. Find the content your interviewee has produced or been involved with that doesn’t have tons of views. Maybe they share specific ideas on something not commonly talked about? Use this as a jumping off point.
For example, if the interviewer has had multiple podcast appearances in the past, perhaps they share different stories or anecdotes on each one.
Spend time think of questions and discussion topics but don’t be afraid to diverge if the story gets rich. Which brings up the next point…
No plans, just vibes
Research and preparation aside, it i ismportant to have time to riff and allow speakers to let the conversation flow.
Time to vibe is important.
If you find the conversations topics at the beginning naturally tend toward something silly, I believe that’s actually a good thing.
We’re all humans here, and social media should be fun and entertaining at the end of the day.
For example, at the beginning of the recent Shell Protocol space, the speakers started talking about mayonnaise of all things. Regardless of how you feel about the pale condiment, it was pretty funny and actually learned a few things – namely, that the mayonnaise in Belgium is waaay better than what we have in the United States.
This feels similar to the “ice breaker” games that some corporate jobs have employees do on their first day. However, I was never a big fan of those formalized ice breakers. Letting it flow informally feels more natural.
Inclusiveness
Encourage inclusivity and open discussion. Let conversations topics go out on tangents if the speakers are engaged and contributing to the conversation. At the end of the day, the goal is to make sure everyone enjoys the conversation.
As long as all speakers treat people with respect, everyone should feel comfortable sharing their opinions and diverse ideas.
People join Twitter spaces from all over the world
Be considerate for time zones globally. Mention the time zone you are in, show empathy to global community that some people may have to listen to the recording later or are jumping in at obscure hours for them.
Shut up and listen
As the host, be willing to stay quiet and let people talk!
If you are interviewing someone about their project or endeavors, don’t be afraid of the awkward pauses… allowing some space between words will encourage the other person to talk more, share more insights, and ultimately make for a better interview for the audience.
When someone is talking, actively listen. Don’t try to think of the next question while they are talking.
Espresso Insight 