How can i make a certain update private on Twitter?

[Marissa]

like i want people to be able to see my updates. I don't want to make my account private where i click protect my updates. i want it where like i can make an update only go to one person. help me please!

[b3george]

It's called a Direct Message.
Go to http://twitter.com/inbox or just use the format "d username message"

[inhisgracecards]

DM is your answer.

DM = Direct Message

However, to send a DM the person you are sending that msg to must be following you first.

If this is an automated message that you want to go to a specific person instead of the entire Twitter World, that option is not available to my knowledge.

Also, you want to avoid sending the same DM to a person over and over again as that can be considered as SPAM and will get your account banned.

Times that I find it good to DM from my @<A Href="http://twitter.com/BodyByChocolate">BodyByChocolate</A> account include but are not limited to...
* If I'm providing private information that I don't want everyone to see.
* If I'm having a longer conversation about my experiences with <A HREF="http://bodybychocolates.com/xo/gs/guy.htm">healthy chocolate</A>.
* If I'm providing constructive feedback on how a person can succeed in some aspect of Twitter and I don't want to cause embarrassment for them.

There are other times that I might use DM, but I must keep in mind that if I'm looking to excel to the top of Twitterhood sending everything via DM will not boost my Twitter credibility or audience. The more that can be said over Twitter to the entire world the better your Twitter success will be.