Live TweetingChurch Events*

An Easy-Peasy Guide created by

Meredith Gould @meredithgould

© 2014 Meredith Gould

*Celebrations, Conferences, Diocesan Conventions, Presbytery Meetings,Sermons, Sessions, Synod Assemblies, Worship

Contents

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Live Tweeting Defined Why Live Tweet How To Live Tweet

Hardware Tools Software Tools Hashtags Types of Tweets Tweeting Optimize Comfort

After the Event Important Miscellany Kudos and Gratitude

Live Tweeting Defined

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Live tweeting involves using Twitter (in real time) to share information, inspiration, and insights during events.

Live events in the world of church include but are not limited to:

Celebrations Conferences (Keynotes & Workshops) Diocesan Conventions Presbytery Meetings Sermons Sessions Synod Assemblies Worship

Why Live Tweet“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19

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Why Live Tweet Reach those who cannot physically attend. Encourage participation by those who

cannot physically attend. Help visual-kinesthetic attendees focus. Support conversation among participants

during events. Broadcast citations and resources. Generate tweets that can be saved and

reused.

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Pro Tip:Use a smartphone to

live tweet images.

Best Practice:But they promised WiFi! Yeah, okay. Bring your

own mobile hotspot. Really.

How To Live Tweet: Hardware Tools

Laptop and/or tablet computer and/or smartphone.

Extension cord(s) with surge protector and extra power outlets.

Mobile hotspot.

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Pro Tip:For heavy duty tweeting over long periods of time, use whatever best reduces wear-and-tear on wrists.

How To Live Tweet: Software Tools Choose and sign into a Twitter management

platform in advance: http://www.tweetdeck.com http://hootsuite.com http://tweetchat.com http://twubs.com

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Pro Tip:Choose a platform that adds the hashtag (#) and counts characters.

Pro Tip:Log onto more than one platform and keep all of them open because one is bound to crash at some point!

How To Live Tweet: Software Tools

Choose a Twitter transcript/aggregation platform: http://www.hashtracking.com http://storify.com:

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Best Practice:Generate and post transcript

as soon as possible after event.

Pro Tip:Storify will let you to add

images/content from social media platforms in

addition to Twitter.

How To Live Tweet: Software Tools

Choose a platform for projecting tweets: http://www.tweetviz.com http://www.tweetwall.com

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Best Practice:Let participants know, in advance, that tweets will be projected live.

Pro Tip:Encourage presenters to use streamed tweets to address

questions and concerns.

How To Live Tweet: HashtagsUse Hashtags (#) to:

identify tweets from your event. help catalog and archive tweets. monitor tweets.

http://whatthetrend.com http://www.hashtracking.com http://www.hastagify.me

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Pro Tip:Create, test, and publicize your event’s hashtag at least one month before your event.

Best Practice:Add #chsocm to tweets with content/conversation about using church social media.

How To Live Tweet: HashtagsMake sure your hashtag is:

descriptive enough to be easily recognized as yours.

short enough to allow ample room for tweets.

easily reusable for annual events (Note: this builds brand identity!).

thoroughly tested to identify glitches. rolled out to users well in advance!

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Pro Tip:In the name of all that’s holy,

do not underestimate the importance of crafting a great hashtag.

How To Live Tweet: Type of TweetsContent:

Reporting facts. Verbatim quotes with attribution. Presentation slide content. Photos from the event.

Commentary: Opinions. Observations. Quips.

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Best Practice:Don’t make Jesus weep.

Pro Tip:Use the institutional/official account for

content not commentary! Use your personal account for commentary.

How To Live Tweet: TweetingRemember to:

get the program and list of presenters’ Twitter handles in advance.

use a platform that counts characters and includes hashtag.

leave room for re-tweeting. streamline tweets by editing out extraneous words

(e.g., the, that) and using contractions (e.g., we’ve not we have).

attribute quotes.

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Pro Tip:Modify Tweet (MT) to save characters without changing meaning when re-tweeting.

Pro Tip:Pair up with someone who can help you monitor the screen, so

you don’t miss anything.

How To Live Tweet: Optimize Comfort

Live tweeting is intense and taxes body, mind, and even spirit. Take care of yourself in every possible way.

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Self-care includes but is not limited to: Requesting a large, flat surface for your equipment. Wearing layers of clothing to account for room

temperature. Using wrist guards/braces before needed. Staying hydrated, especially if uber-caffeinated. Training others to assist and asking for help. Embracing live tweeting as ministry.

After the Event Create and distribute transcript(s) via social

media. Create screen shots for future use (e.g., post to

Facebook page/group). Retweet key tweets. Build community by responding to those who

engaged by tweeting or re-tweeting. Get input about what worked…or didn’t. Provide feedback to organizers about what

worked…or didn’t.

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“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25: 23

Important Miscellany

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#ChSocM chat on Twitter: Tuesdays @9PM Eastern, 8PM Central, 7:00PM Mountain, 6:00PM Pacific.

#ChSocM Wiki: http://www.chsocm.wikispaces.com

Use the #ChSocM hashtag to find content and conversation about using social media to build church and deepen faith.

Kudos

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Created with input from these #ChSocM Twitterati:

Laura Catalano (@LeistCatalano) Jason Chesnut (@crazypastor) Carolyn Clement (@SingingCarolyn) Beth Felice (@bfelice) Neal Fischer (@nealffischer) David Hansen (@Rev_David) Megan Dosher Hansen (@megateer) Ed Kay (@edkay77) Julie Stecker (@ohxjulie)