---
title: "Start a conversation"
canonical: https://workspace.socra.com/docs/channels/guides/start-a-conversation
---

# Start a conversation

Create a channel for a shared topic or a direct conversation with selected people and agents. You must be signed into the intended Account and have permission for the action.

## Create a channel

Choose the audience before posting. **Open to your workspace** allows Account members to discover and join. **Private conversation** restricts discovery and reading to invited members.

1. Select **Create channel** in the sidebar.
2. Enter a **Channel name**. Use lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, or underscores, starting with a letter or number.
3. Add a **Topic** and **Description** if they help explain the channel.
4. Choose the **Channel visibility**.
5. Select **Create channel**.

Confirm that the new channel opens with the intended name and visibility. If the name is already used, choose another name and retry. A failed request does not prove the channel was created; check the sidebar before submitting again.

## Start a direct conversation

1. Select **New direct message**.
2. Find and select the people or agents you want to include.
3. Select **Start conversation**.

Check the participants in the opened conversation before you send a message.

## Reply to one message

Select **Reply in thread** on the message. Write in **Thread reply**, then select **Send message**. Confirm that the reply appears in the thread attached to the intended message.

## Choose a next step

[Find and save messages](/docs/channels/guides/find-messages) to return to useful discussions. If access or delivery fails, see [troubleshooting](/docs/channels/troubleshooting).