The Fearless Blogger

Something I enjoy about the holidays is the cross-generational conversations family gatherings provide.

One cousin just learned to drive, a nephew is learning to walk, an aunt just started a new job . . . and Grandpa sits back smiling, observing, absorbing, basking in the glow of bringing family together.

photo credit: Bryan Ledgard

It occurred to me that Twitter is a bit like that family gathering; and we’re all a bit like Grandpa.

We tune in and tune out: overhearing snippets of conversations between other people in the room;  (hopefully) catching any words directed specifically at us and forming responses appropriate to the person posing the question.  Sometimes people talk about us like we aren’t there; other times as if we just wouldn’t understand.  The art of selective listening is relied up; equally is the ability to absorb the chatter as a whole.

My grandfather always was interested in what his grandkids were up to – the newest fads, latest trends.

I wonder how I would describe Twitter to him?

Ideally, what are ways they might use it themselves?  How might it compliment or replace something they already use?   The key to an effective explanation is making it something your audience can relate to.

Your parents?

How might the way you describe Twitter to you mom be different than the explanation you’d give your dad?

Do you have a story about introducing someone new to Twitter?  How did you do it?

Please share your stories in the comments below . . .

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photo credits: “Happy Christmas, war is over” by Bryan Ledgard | licensed under

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