"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic." - J.K. Rowling

Finding Your Voice: What to Say to Guests When You're at a Loss for Words

By Brad Morris, The Block Live Team

Live streaming can be a blast, but every streamer faces those moments when it feels like there's nothing left to say. Maybe the chat's quiet, or the topic you're discussing isn't giving you much to comment on. It happens to the best of us. Here are some tips to keep the conversation flowing and your stream engaging, even when you're drawing a blank.

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

One of the easiest ways to keep the conversation going is by asking open-ended questions. These are questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Here are a few examples:

• "What got you interested in this field?"

• "What's the most memorable moment you've had while streaming?"

• "If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?"

Open-ended questions encourage your guest to share more about themselves, which can lead to interesting discussions and stories.

2. Share Personal Stories

Personal stories are a great way to fill dead air and build a connection with your audience and guests. Talk about your experiences related to the topic you’re discussing, funny incidents that happened during other streams, or even something cool that happened in your day-to-day life.

For example:

• "This reminds me of that time I tried something new on stream and it went hilariously wrong."

• "I had the weirdest thing happen at the grocery store today..."

These anecdotes make you relatable and give your guest something to respond to.

3. React to Current Events or Content

Don’t forget the primary focus of your stream—whether it's a discussion, a creative project, or a particular theme. Reacting to what’s happening in your niche or current events can spark new conversation points.

• "Did you see that recent news about...?"

• "I didn't expect that plot twist in that show. What do you think will happen next?"

• "Wow, that design looks incredible. What inspired you to start creating like this?"

Reacting in real-time can help fill gaps in the conversation naturally.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Remember, your viewers are part of the conversation too. If chat is slow, ask your guest to help you brainstorm topics. Encourage viewers to ask questions, share their thoughts, or suggest topics. This can create a dynamic interaction that keeps everyone engaged.

• "Chat, what do you think about this topic? Any insights?"

• "Have you guys ever experienced something like this?"

• "What’s everyone’s favorite way to spend a weekend and why?"

This not only helps fill the silence but also makes your audience feel valued and involved.

5. Have a List of Backup Topics

Preparation is key. Keep a list of backup topics handy for those moments when you feel stuck. These can be general topics, interesting facts, or trending news in your niche or community. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Latest trends or updates in your field

• Upcoming events or releases and your expectations

• Tips and tricks relevant to your audience

• Industry news and controversies

• Fun challenges or collaborations

Having these topics ready can save you from awkward silences and keep the conversation interesting.

6. Play Mini-Games or Challenges

Introduce mini-games or challenges to your stream. This can be anything from a quick trivia session to a fun on-stream challenge related to your content. These activities can break the ice and lead to spontaneous, engaging conversations.

For example:

• "Let's do a quick trivia round! First question: What’s the highest-grossing movie of all time?"

• "I challenge you to a quick drawing contest. Let's see who can create the funniest character sketch!"

7. Practice Active Listening

Finally, practice active listening. Pay close attention to what your guest or audience is saying and build on that. Active listening shows that you’re engaged and interested, making it easier to keep the conversation going.

• "That’s really interesting! Tell me more about how you got started with that."

• "I didn’t know that! How did you find out about it?"

Active listening can uncover new topics and keep the dialogue natural and engaging.

Conclusion

Feeling like you have nothing to say is a common challenge, but with a few strategies, you can turn those quiet moments into opportunities for deeper connection and more engaging streams. Ask open-ended questions, share personal stories, react to current events or content, engage with your audience, have backup topics, introduce mini-games, and practice active listening. By doing so, you’ll keep the conversation flowing and your stream lively.

Happy streaming!

Brad Morris
The Block Live Team