SciComm, Science Communication, Uncategorized

Considering Hosting #SciCommChat on Twitter? This One’s For You!

If you are a science communicator, and hope to broaden your reach, #SciCommChat is the place for you. This chat provides participants with an engaging hour-long discussion on how to better your science communication skills at large.

Whether you wear multiple hats in your science communication, or focus only on one aspect of the sciences, such as health, climate change, or space science, we promise these chats will leave you with *hundreds* of different ways in which you will successfully be able to reach and communicate with your own audience.

If you are looking to learn more about what #SciCommChat is and how to join as a participant, check out my previous post here. In this blog post, I would like to talk to you about how you can host #SciCommChat, whilst also highlighting the benefits of hosting such a chat.

How Do I Host #SciCommChat on Twitter?

Hosting is simple – just send me a quick DM that you are interested and I will let you know what dates are available. When you DM me, I will provide you with a date and further instructions. It is usually something like this:

  1. I ask you what to pick a topic you are comfortable speaking about.
  2. Based on your chosen topic, I ask you to come up with 5 discussion questions. The emphasis of the chat is to provide a meaningful discussion on practices in #SciComm.
    These discussions could be about anything: inclusivity, diversity, best practices, do’s and don’ts, and anything else within science communication that you feel passionate about.
  3. Once you have created your 5 discussion questions, please send them to me by the Monday before you host.
    This gives me enough time to prepare the slides for the discussion and also schedule the prompts as necessary.
  4. All you need to do after you have sent me your questions is to come down and chat to your audience on your Wednesday at 6pm GMT.
    The chat officially only lasts on hour (until 7pm GMT), so at the end of the hour, you could decide to wrap up or you may continue to keep the conversation going – whatever you prefer.

What Is The Format Of The Chat?

The chat begins at 18:00 GMT with a version of the following tweet, which gives all participants and the host(s) a chance to introduce themselves.

Starting 18:10 GMT, a new prompt (i.e. your discussion question) will be sent out in 10-minute intervals. The last discussion question is posted at 18:50 GMT.

As the host, all you need to do is keep the discussion going (with the #SciCommChat hashtag) so participants and hosts can learn from each other. It is a fun experience full of learning, I promise!

Is The Chat Moderated?

I co-host/moderate these chats with you and also help keep the discussions fruitful – don’t worry, you’re not alone! I also ensure that all is going smoothly and there are no rude talkers during the chat.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare To Host #SciCommChat?

The preparation to host can take as little as 15 minutes. However, because hosts are incredibly passionate about the topics that are discussed, it is easy to go into a rabbit-hole of wonderful discussion points to make. Do as much as you think is necessary for your communications!

Are There Any Benefits To Hosting #SciCommChat?

Yep, as you can imagine there are many benefits to hosting #SciCommChat.

  1. The chat will help you build brand awareness
    SciComm-ers love to talk about all things SciComm. These chats will also provide you with plenty of opportunity to engage with potential customers/clients. This is a free form of advertising that you may personalize to every participant in the chat.
  2. Establish brand authority and credibility
    As a host of the chat, you will be able to highlight your leadership in the area. #SciCommChat participants are often looking for information from each other and experts in the field of science communication. Conversation with hundreds of members within the SciComm community shows that you know and care about what you do.
  3. Connect with other SciCommers
    Our #SciCommChat brings together SciComm professionals from across the globe. We frequently have communicators joining in from Greece, India, the US, the UK, and Germany. Because our chats are “open” to all members of the science communication community, the chats are an incredibly effective way to connect with other professionals in the industry.
  4. Gain a following
    Our chat provides people with a way to connect with other individuals and also connect with them on Twitter and elsewhere. Many of our hosts have seen an increase in followers that engage with the hosts content.
  5. A place for learning
    Our chats are incredibly diverse and always provide people with an opportunity to learn something new and build their knowledge. This could include learning about accessibility, increasing your reach, podcasting, illustrations, and more.

If you have any other questions or are interested in hosting #SciCommChat on Twitter – send me a quick DM @SciCommClub on Twitter.

I hope to see you host or participate in the next #SciCommChat On Twitter (happening every week on Wednesday at 6pm GMT).

Happy chatting!

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailWant To Improve Your Science Communication Skills? Here Are Some Quick Tips Default ThumbnailA 7-Step Guide To Evaluating The Success Of Your Science And Health Communications Default ThumbnailFrom A Breast Cancer Scare To A Career in Science And Health Communication Default Thumbnail5 Evaluation Techniques To Make Your SciComm More Effective Default ThumbnailWhat Is Science Writing And Scientific Content Marketing [With Examples]?

Leave a Reply