Twitter 101How journalists can use Twitter in the newsroom

What?

Twitter asks you: What’s happening? In 140 characters or less, you have the opportunity to answer that.

Pros It’s more than just

status updates. People share news and information first on Twitter and Facebook.– Real-Time– Short & Sweet– Search-ability– Fast

Cons

UseSituations in which Twitter

is the right choice to use

LingoGet to know the Twitter talk

@At Symbol + Name:

When a username is preceded by the @ sign, it becomes a link to a Twitter profile.

Example: @erincubert

#Hashtag + Topic

Used when trying to identify a certain topic or subject

Example:

Traffic is really backed up in #Nashville.

ReplyResponding to another tweet or person’s message.

DMDirect Message:

Sending a private message to someone, similar to e-mail

RTRetweet:

Echoing someone else’s tweet, posting it so that all of your followers can see it

FollowIf you follow someone, you’ve subscribed to their tweets and are interested in what they have to say.

OHOverheard:

People will tweet things that they’ve overheard. They will preface it by saying ‘OH:”

Example:

OH: It’s going to rain like cats and dogs today.

Case StudiesReal instances where Twitter was used to break, share news around the world

Go Local Real instances where Twitter was used to break, share news in Nashville

TipsHow you can use Twitter for reporting and everyday use

HelpProvide information that people need: Breaking news, weather alerts, traffic, general information

KnowTalk about your area of expertise. People will go to you first if they know you’re covering a topic they’re interested in.

PromoteShare your articles, but go one step further. Give more information that they couldn’t find anywhere else.

FindExperts, sources, information

SearchSpot trends, identify story ideas using Twitter search capabilities

TalkHave a conversation and engage with sources, colleagues and friends.

VoiceUse and develop your own voice and style. What works for one person might not work for you.

ShareShare more than your own articles. Use other news organizations and trusted sources.

BalanceMake sure you’re balanced in both quality and quantity of sharing and talking.

VisualizeThe web is a visual medium. Use and share pictures, videos and infographics.

ExperimentThere are few hard and fast rules to social media. It changes every day.

ResourcesThings you can use to make sharing easier and faster