awkward silence when the conversation suddenly stops and
there is no chance to continue. For me, these moments are my
personal hell. Due to the nature of my character, I'm unable to
engage people in a joyful and light conversation, especially
unfamiliar people. So if you are so unlucky as I'm, don`t get
upset. There are numerous tips on how to avoid these
moments of awkward silence which will come to rescue in the
time of need.
1. Change the subject
This is a good option to remember about when you happen to
get into an awkward silence moment. Moreover, it is a nice
way to avoid it as well. After communicating with a person
for some time you may imply which topics may be successful
and which will lead to awkward silence. So you should use
this and appear to be a good interlocutor.
2. Don't try to outdo their stories
In a big and noisy company among good friends you may
often hear one interrupting another and boasting that his
experience was even more exciting and worth attention of the
public present. But there are some cases when this won't go
and the conversation will inevitably come to the deadlock. It
is very important to have respect and patience to listen
attentively to the other person. If you are thoughtful and
cautious enough you will easily avoid that undesired
awkwardness.
3. Ask questions
When you do not know what to say to another person just
start asking questions. All people like talking about
themselves so you may easily use this little sin in to your
advantage. As you ask your first question you will definitely
receive an answer. After it you have a good chance to start a
conversation by taking turns in asking and answering. It is a
nice way to fill awkward gaps in any conversation and it also
shows your interest in your interlocutor.
4. Listen attentively
Very often a conversation is interrupted by silence because of
the speakers not listening to each other. So my advice to you
is that you should listen attentively to what your partner says.
Maintain eye contact, watch his\her facial expressions and
listen to every word. Then you will surely find at list
something to say or ask in case when that awkward silence
comes up.
5. Look friendly
Even if you are hastily thinking of what to say next don't
forget about your facial expression. Your unintentional frown
may scare away your partner. Don't forget to smile and
maintain eye contact even when you have nothing to say.
Have a soft and relaxed look to create positive atmosphere for
communication.
6. Be confident
When the conversation goes out of your control, don't panic.
It is important to look and act confident as nobody should
notice you being nervous. You may not even notice when you
start fiddling with your hair or accessories sending a message
to your interlocutor. Show no sign and pretend to be confident
and sure. Don't hunch up, speak audibly and distinctly and
everything will go smoothly.
7. Try to retreat
If the situation is extremely difficult to fix then you should
use a back-up plan. When you feel that a conversation tends
to end you may excuse yourself and leave for the ladies room.
This will help you avoid struggling to say something to break
the silence. Maybe when you come back you will invent
something interesting to start a conversation afresh.
I really hope these tips will help you not only to get out of an
awkward silence situation but also to avoid getting into it in
future. Keep in mind these advices and don't be afraid of
communicating with new people and making new friends.
What are your methods of breaking awkward silence? Please
share your experience.
Via: Amerikanki
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