I’ve been using Twitter Chats as a cornerstone of my professional development and learning network for a few years, but I still remember the first one I joined — that feeling of worry, trepidation, shyness, as I reached out to join a group of individuals who I was sure knew each other intimately. It was like going to a party alone, knowing no one and believing they all were BFFs.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Twitter Chats (sometimes called Tweet Chats) are a group of strangers brought together online by a common interest in a topic. Often, there will be a core of people who know each other (usually in the virtual world, but not the physical one) that provide energy and structure. The purpose is to share ideas and grow together.
How do you find out about them in advance?
Usually, whoever is holding the Twitter Chat announces via FB or Twitter or their blog that they’re having a Twitter Chat at (say) 2 pm Thursday. They also give a #hashtag (say, #writing101) that interested writers use to participate. All you do is log into Twitter at 2 pm Thursday, search #writing101, and you’re in. Usually, the moderator asks everyone to introduce themselves (sometimes there are dozens; sometimes fewer) and then starts with a list of questions. Participants weigh in, respond to others, and learn. You can lurk the first few times–don’t even fess up to being there. Just read, listen, see if it suits you.
What are the most common topics discussed?
Twitter Chats address every topic imaginable from cooking to gardening to writing. I use them in the grad school classes I teach (go ahead and search #mti562) as yet another way to reach out to students who aren’t willing to put their hand in the air during class time I join lots of Twitter Chats to provide myself with perspective on writing topics, get help on a problem I’m having, or simply to see what fellow writers are doing.
Debbie Oh puts out a Twitter Chat list that’s pretty comprehensive. Try one out.
When do they usually happen?
Since Twitter Chats happen all over the world, there’s no way to make the timing convenient for everyone. If you like a topic, but can’t get there during the prescribed time, simply search the #hashtag in Twitter and read the participant responses. You can also add your thoughts and reach out to particular attendees by using their handle (like mine is @worddreams).
If you’re interested in joining a Twitter Chat, here’s a webinar I put together about Twitter chats for the professional development classes I teach:
Questions? How can I help you get started?
–first published on Today’s Author
More on social media:
4 Reasons You Want a PLN and 13 Ways to Build One
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.
Reblogged this on Example Site.
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Jacqui,
I’ve been saving this to read when my head was clear cuz I know nothing about Twitter or the chats. VERY informative – THANK YOU!
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I bet there are a lot that address artists, too. I tend to focus on education and writers.
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Thats good to network as well! Never even considered doing that.
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It sure is. Through Twitter Chats, you can DM participants, chat with them outside of the Chat or on specific topics.
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Stopped using years ago- A bully site & jk Rowling’s popular victim, including Facebook & kill quotes left with healthier advice. Even political grace & Frankie before sinead o’ Conner, random drop-out’s & far away estranged. Called our get up attention lie.
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I so dislike politics in my writing resources!
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thx for all your support- Hilary Awapuhi
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Wow I just try & stop ppl from killing themselves when life hands out aging & not oldness bitter reason
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There is that.
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That is a good way to network as well! Never even considered doing that. Just got to find the time!
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They’re best done with a cuppa coffee and a comfortable chair, especially in the beginning.
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Thanks Jacqui. I knew of twitter chats from Rayne Hall’s book on Twitter. I like the idea of lurking first. Fitting it all in is the problem. 🌼
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I definitely have enjoyed lurking–still do it at times, especially to check out a new group.
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Those chats can be pretty fast moving for a slow guy like me. I find that I’m mostly behind in the conversation and I keep lagging as the chat progresses. But I haven’t done many so maybe it’s a lack of experience.
Lee
Tossing It Out
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I got somewhat better as I attended more but they are definitely fast moving. It’s almost just as good to simply arrive when it’s over and read the comments.
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This is very helpful, Jacqui. I have seen twitter chats advertised but hadn’t a clue how they worked. Now I know.
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I remember the first time I tried one. It sounded quite confusing so I just tried each step–amazingly, it worked!
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Hi Jacqui – I don’t know anything about Twitterchats – except they happen as in the IWSG group … so I’ll get to this post properly in the next few days … thanks for writing up for us – cheers Hilary
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They are great for passive learning. I also hold them in my online classes, as a different way of sharing information (because we all learn differently).
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Yes we certainly all do learn differently … I need to tweet first! H
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Great instructional Jacqui. My gosh, who has time for Twitter chats? I did a few a year or so ago, maybe I’ll venture into it again when I get a spare moment. 🙂
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Twitter Chats are great for multitasking because no one sees you, you work at your own pace. I can eat dinner while participating, even whittle down my email list.
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You are a great multi tasker! 🙂
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But I just got used to email! Seriously, this is outstanding information. I’m going to come back to this post when I’m ready to commit to tweeting (or is it twittering?) Thank you, Jacqui.
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It took me a while to commit to my first and then I found out it was easy, non-threatening, no-failure. I like that!
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I didn’t even know such a thing existed! Thanks for that. I feel enlightened!
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Promote your shows using Twitter #hashtags! You can even add a video of the show.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post on the topic of Twitter chats from the Word Dreams blog
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Thanks for the reblog!
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You’re welcome.
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Such a timely message. I have been suggesting using social media including Twitter, FB, WordPress and now you write this tip. Our church needs to update its website and include social media for our teens. Sending them emails is very old school (p.s. I am OS but love social media.)
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You are so right. Assign a #hashtag to church info (check Twitter to be sure no one else is using it) and then send all announcements out that way. The teens will love it!
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Thanks for the info re Twitter Chats. The teens would indeed love it. Now the problem remains convincing the adults who are not familiar and not tech savvy.
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You are so right, MaryAnn.
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Thanks. I have shared your post in the hopes of inspiring others. ^__^
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I totally relate to Andrew’s comment. Still, this would be interesting to check out. I’ve never heard of twitter chats before.
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Oh you are missing something fun. They are quite popular and once you find one that suits you, very fun.
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as an introvert I find chats to be scary – even if they are just twitterish…
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You can lurk. In fact, lots of people do. I find it a great way to dip into how my community thinks on a certain subject.
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I haven’t come across Twitter chats, Jacqui, but then I don’t twitter much. I struggle to make the time! Thanks for the explanation though. It does sound more fulfilling than the random tweet. 😀
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#StoryDam (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23storydam&src=tyah) is a good starter. It’s about how your writing is going. Thurs 8pmET; type #StoryDam into your Twitter search and you’re there.
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Oh, the pressure! Ha ha.
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Thanks for sharing, Jacqui! I really enjoy Twitter chats. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect and share. Cheers! 🙂
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Do you have a favorite I could check out?
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Interesting. Enjoyed reading. I often have trouble keeping up with twitter feeds.
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
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And these do go quickly. I recommend lurking at first, until you get used to the ebb and flow of a particular chat.
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Very interesting, Jacqui and I can imagine this works well…there’s nothing like a good chat, even if it is on Twitter. 😀 I think I’d lurk the first couple of times and see what everyone was doing/saying…
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Good instincts, Annika. I definitely did that. I wanted to see what was going on and how before committing!
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I always learn something from your post, Jacqui. Twitter chats…who knew? Thanks! Enjoy your Monday!
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I used Twitter Chats in my education community a lot, not nearly as much in my writing one. No good reason for that!
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