When it comes to social media, most people probably think of images and the written word. But what about the power of your voice? With the rise of social audio platforms like Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, and most recently, LinkedIn Audio, now is the perfect time to use your voice to connect with others and build relationships.

Ein Mann mit Kopfhörern und Brille spricht in einem Tonstudio in ein Mikrofon. Hinter ihm hängt ein Schild mit der Aufschrift „STIMME WIRKT, VOICE SELLS!“ Sein selbstbewusstes Auftreten lässt vermuten, dass er die Angst vor öffentlichen Reden überwunden hat.

I like to "send" my social audio contributions from my coaching studio. Strictly speaking, however, you don't need any recording studio equipment for this. A mobile phone with headphones is sufficient.

What is social audio?

Social audio is a way to connect with others by using your voice instead of (or in addition to) the written word. These platforms are designed for real-time conversations, so you can interact with others in a more personal way.

Which channels are interesting for what?

Clubhouse was the "light in the dark" for many during the Covid lockdown. While many of Clubhouse's early protagonists have now migrated to other channels, it's still a great platform to connect, build relationships, and learn from others in your industry. Twitter Spaces is perfect for short, informal conversations and exchanges on current topics. For me and a number of other colleagues, LinkedIn Audio is now the best option for professional exchange and discussions at the highest level. There you will also find the rhetoric club initiated by Michael Ehlers, in which I am involved as a voice expert, as well as the "The Power of the Voice Practitioners' Regulars' Table" with me and Claudia Conen on the first Tuesday of every month.

Ein Mann steht neben einem Flipchart mit bunten Skizzen und Texten und hält einen Marker in der Hand. Der Raum hat Holzboden und im Hintergrund eine Pinnwand, was eine einladende Atmosphäre für eine Auszeit schafft.

What should you consider if you want to get involved?

If you're thinking about getting involved in social networks, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

  • First: Don't be afraid to get involved and talk. These platforms are designed for conversation, so don't be afraid to come out.
  • Second, be willing to listen as much as you talk. And finally, you should remember that these conversations take place in real time, so there can inevitably be technical shortcomings at times. So be patient, let yourself drift and enjoy the conversation!

How do you overcome the shyness of talking to others through these new channels?

If you feel shy about talking to others about these new channels, remember that we are all in the same boat. We are all just getting to know these platforms and only know how to use them effectively through active trial and error. So start talking about it! The more you use social audio, the better you'll be able to cope with it.

Are you already using social audio for yourself and your important topics?

I had the opportunity to talk to rhetoric trainer and author Michael Ehlers about the new social audio channels and how to use them without fear. Here you can hear our conversation in the "Voice works!" -Podcast:

My conclusion:

Nowadays, when we think of social media, we often think of the written word. But what about the power of your voice? With the rise of social audio platforms like Clubhouse, Twitter, and LinkedIn, now is the perfect time to use your voice to connect with others and build relationships.

Have fun and good encounters on Social Audio!

Blaue handschriftliche Unterschrift auf transparentem Hintergrund, die Bände spricht und mit Raffinesse verkauft.Arno Fischbacher

Recommended reading:

Cover des Buches „Social Audio“ von Michael Ehlers mit der Grafik eines Handcursors, der eine Flamme berührt. Der Text lautet „Willkommen am digitalen Lagerfeuer“ und untersucht die Schnittstelle zwischen sozialen Medien und Öffentlichen Reden.Michael Ehlers: Social Audio – Welcome to the Digital Campfire: How to Successfully Use the New Voice Functions in Social Networks for Yourself and Your Business .

160 pages, Books4Success 2022

A fine little guide for using the new audio formats on Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces and LinkedIn Audio. With a lot of interesting facts and useful rhetoric tips on voice and fear of speaking, to moderator competence and the use of social audio for business. With an article by Dr. Frederic Hümmeke. Readable!

More info and order

Also read on this topic:

The author:

Arno Fischbacher is a business voice coach and rhetoric expert, speaker and author. He prepares executives and employees of the top companies in Germany and Austria for negotiations, presentations and media appearances. Fischbacher is the author of several books, past president of the German Speakers Association (GSA) Austria, chairman of the European Network of Voice Experts, stimme.at.

If you would like to learn more about specific training opportunities with Arno Fischbacher, make an appointment here free information talk.

30 min kostenlose Beratung mit Arno Fischbacher