Written by JannahB
EIC, The Bold Opinion

I despise telling grown folks how to behave, but I’ve got good reason this time.

If you haven’t heard by now, Twitter Spaces is Twitter’s new audio drop in chat feature. The feature is still in beta and hasn’t rolled out fully to the public yet. So for the new comers and people still learning the field, here are a few pointers to show how you should work it.

Hosting A Space

Each week, new Twitter users are gaining access to host their own Space. As an audio host to your followers and others, it’s important to keep in mind the following points to lead to a successful, engaging experience.

1) Welcome new listeners periodically 
Show some proper hospitality for your Space. The more welcome your guests feel, the longer their willing to stick around, speak, and provide value to your Space.

2)  Be Vocal
You’re the host. Announce your presence and verbally update you Space with current and past topics so listeners can keep up with the conversation.

3) Don’t Be Afraid To Moderate
Again, it’s your Space and you’re the host.  Keep things orderly by watching speakers overtaking themselves, keeping track of time, maintain a peacefully equal Space, and be mindful of your speaker panel and hot mics.

Sharing A Space

I get it, Twitter Spaces is new and exciting and you want to get the best experience possible. However, as a participant in someone else’s Space, it’s helpful to keep in mind a few good practices to enhance the experience.

1) Introductions
When you jump into a Space, you automatically become a listener and won’t have speaker privileges until the host grants you access. Show your presence by throwing up a wave emoji to the Space and mutual followers. If you come in a speaker, verbally announce your presence, in turn, by introducing yourself and thanking the host for hosting the Space.

2)  Fully Utilize Participation Tools
While you’re in a Space, don’t be afraid to use your emojis to express that you’re keeping up with the conversation. You may also post a Tweet to the billboard as a talking point for the Space. To do that, find a relevant tweet, tap the share icon, and tap the option to add the Tweet to the host’s Space.  For bonus points, share out the Space to your timeline and show your followers you’re participating in that Space.

3) Watch Your Speaking Time
As a guest speaker in someone else’s Space, be mindful of the time you spend running your mouth and make room for others to respond to the topic (unless you’re being interviewed). It’s also a good practice to be mindful of your hot mic, so mute yourself when you’re not talking. Nobody wants to hear your cats fighting or rattling dishes in the background because the mics are super sensitive.

4) Bow Out Gracefully
When you’re ready to leave the space and you’ve been an active speaker, it’s polite to announce your departure, if you can help it, and thank the host for hosting the Space.

Again, Twitter Spaces is new and it’s important to learn something and have fun!

Here are other Twitter Spaces topics:
– “Twitter Spaces Is Better Than Clubhouse”
– “Four Ways To Best Utilize Twitter Spaces”