My Personal Guide to Audio Spaces on X

I used to be the most awkward speaker on 𝕏 Spaces - stumbling over words and dreading the mic. But after hosting and speaking almost daily, I've transformed my communication skills.

Here are the key takeaways that helped me become a better speaker - and they can help you too.

I know plenty of people who command great presence in real life and personal calls, yet the moment we step into a public space, some of us suddenly struggle to bring that across. Here’s what helped me overcome it:

Listen Before You Speak

Understanding the flow of each space is crucial - every host has their preferred dynamic. Take a moment to read the room and adapt to the rhythm.

Prioritize Audio Quality

Few things are more frustrating than a speaker with background noise, low volume, or poor sound from a cheap Bluetooth device. Ensure your audio is clear and balanced before joining any audio space.

Don’t Overthink It

Unless it’s a highly structured space, avoid over-preparing your statements. Otherwise, you risk delivering a TED talk on a topic that was relevant 30 minutes ago. This can lead to nerves, rambling, and the urge to clarify endlessly, taking up even more time and making it tough for others to follow.

If you feel yourself spiraling, pause, take a breath, and let it go. Focus on the present conversation, responding directly to others points as they’re made. Remember, this isn’t about giving a presentation - it’s about engaging with people, not talking at them.

Don't Take It Personal

Don’t expect a guaranteed spot on stage, and don’t take it personally if the host doesn’t bring you up or rotates you down. Most importantly, avoid reading into why it happened.

Hosting spaces comes with a lot of stress, especially in larger rooms where there’s constant coordination and multiple priorities to balance.

There are countless reasons for these decisions, and none are about disrespecting you. Stay patient, don’t take it personally, and try again next time.

Don’t Be Timid

Having done regular podcasts, I knew how to project my voice, but in spaces, I held back to avoid seeming overbearing - a big mistake. In these settings, if your presence is too soft, you can easily be overshadowed by others with stronger delivery.

Speak loud and clear, and add a bit of emphasis to your tone and facial expressions, much like voice actors or radio hosts do. This slight exaggeration helps bring out your personality when people can’t see you.

Be Entertaining

The passive listener is the most important person in the room - the one driving home from work, giving you their time. Think of yourself as being in service to them. Don’t focus on selling yourself, forcing a point, or stirring up arguments without reason.

Instead, aim to entertain while adding value and enhancing the ongoing conversation. Always keep the listener in mind and strive to make it a great experience for them.