What is the best way to break an awkward silence?

Question

Help out Please!

Answer 1

say something completely random..... like... i wish i had a duck.... something to make people laugh

Answer 2

Compliment the person, it tends to break the silence as well as put the situation on a lighter note. Especially if the silence occurs due to the wrong thing said. But don't make it a false compliment make it an honest one. If you like the blouse they are wearing then say somethng like," Is that new? cause I love the color." Or say, "That shirt really suits you the color is great on your complextion." But make it honest not phoney. Because intelligent people can see right through a phony one and are more likely then to take it as an insult. Good Luck

Answer 3

1) So... how bout them Steelers?
depends on the silence really...
2) Do you like my new nail polish? -shoes - outfit - haircut
3) Wanna get lucky? - depending on how old you are (and the sense of humor of the person you are with)
4) So, do you do drugs?
5) Hey, what's up with the chrome dome?
7) Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a t.v. with all these people just staring at you?
8) What to maniquins think about? (probably spelled wrong)
9) Have you ever had an AIDS test?
10) Are you Republican or Democrat or neither or both?
11) What is the meaning of life?
12) Why can't people just be comfortable with silence?
13) What is your debt to income ratio?
14) I asked a question on Yahoo answers, and this crazy chick put up all kinds of weird stuff to talk about... It didn't even make any sense... Why are people so weird? What does debt to income ratio mean?

Answer 4

With a smile, and then a light comment. "Well, we seem to be having one of those awkward moments!" or something equally inane. Turn it into a joke if you wish: "This is where Emily Post says we should ask if you like dogs or cats better..." The smile is the most important part.
For the very young among you, Emily Post was an etiquette guru who blathered on about when to wear white gloves etc. in daily etiquette columns in newspapers across the country. Sort of an early day Ann Landers but she dealt only with etiquette, not the more perplexing problems of modern day life.

Answer 5

Acknowledge the awkwardness gracefully, and downplay the importance of that awkwardness. For example, you could look over at the person, smile, and say with a little laugh "Okay, awkward silence, anyway, so what did you do this weekend (or similar safe topic)?"

Answer 6

Ask the person/people you are talking to what the best way to break an awkward silence is.

Answer 7

this is what i always do i have made upa stupid faact that i want to come true. just say "In every akward silence one in ten people think of Abraham Lincoln" then whenever there is an akward silence some1 will blurt out Abraham Lincoln!

P.S. It always works for me

Answer 8

You could comment on the weather or the decor of the room or ask the person what they did over the weekend or if they have children or about the kids if you know they do. I know that kids are a great tension breaker.. ...

Answer 9

Always have an interesting personal story or non-offensive joke on hand, even if they've already heard it, it may be just the thing to get the ball rolling.

Answer 10

Just acknowledge it by saying, "Well this is a little awkward, isn't it?" Then smile. That will usually break the ice and you can resume the conversation.

Answer 11

Just make a comment on something you are doing or ask a question. Soon enough a conversation will start.