What do you say to fill an awkward silence?

Just remember a few simple questions you can use to fill the silence: Ask a new acquaintance “So, where are you from?”, “How do you know (your mutual friend)?”, or “What do you do for fun?”

What do you ask in awkward silences?

Small Talk Questions 17-24 Food

• If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
• What’s your go-to comfort food?
• Are there any foods that you absolutely would not eat?
• What’s something that’s easy to bring in for lunch that isn’t a sandwich?

What do you say when conversations lull?

Here is how to handle a Lull:

1. Acknowledge it, mentally. “Oh, we’re in a Lull!”
2. Remind yourself that it is normal. It will feel awkward.
3. Pull out a file to ask a question. If your files are running low, return to a small talk topic.
4. This may take several seconds (which is a painfully long time in conversation).

How do you deal with awkward conversations?

Awkward conversation is never comfortable, but there are steps you can take to make one less embarrassing.

1. Avoid the silence.
2. Speak in a private setting.
3. Sit.
4. Offer a warning.
5. Acknowledge your discomfort.
6. Be polite, yet direct.
7. Be an active listener.
8. Draw the conversation to a clear close.

How do you talk about uncomfortable topics?

1. Eliminate distractions. Turn off any music, TV, computers and telephones, Karmin said.
2. Use an “I” statement. “[C]ome right to the point and use an ‘I’ statement,” he said.
3. Communicate what you’d like to happen.
4. Identify what they’re feeling.
5. Build on the talk.
6. Acknowledge that pain is individual.
7. Use active listening.

Are awkward silences normal?

Think back to a time you hit a lull in conversation with a stranger. Temporary silence is a normal part of conversational rhythm. It’s only when you believe that it’s a huge issue that it becomes a huge issue.

How to avoid creating awkward silences in conversations?

So there you have it. 3 quick tips to avoid creating awkward silences in conversations. Here’s a quick summary: Learn to keep conversations going with the conversation threading technique. Change how you act after the silence. If you can relax and remain comfortable, then the awkwardness usually doesn’t come up.

Why are people afraid of Awkward Silences?

Some people particularly fear them, and think a drawn out silence will be really uncomfortable and embarrassing, or that it provides a painful, real-life confirmation that they’re a failure at socializing. Here are some quick tips for dealing with awkward silences when they occur.

Are you uncomfortable with silences?

Comfortable silences are almost as important as the actual conversation. Often people who are uncomfortable with silences feel like they need to keep talking as a way to convince or entertain other people into liking them. Most people can see right through this and know it comes from insecurity.

Do You Blame Yourself for the silence in a conversation?

You’re not the only one who blames yourself. The other person can go blank in their head, give too short answers, forget to ask a follow-up question, or even just don’t know how to keep the conversation going. [ 6] And regardless of whose “fault” it is, people try to solve the silence themselves – they’re NOT waiting for you to do it.