8 phrases to use when there’s an awkward silence in a conversation, says a psychologist

From the Personal Branding Blog

If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation that suddenly falls flat, you know how awkward that silence can be.

The dreaded awkward silence – it can strike at any moment, leaving you scrambling to fill the void.

The anxiety rises, the pressure is on, and before you know it, you’re blurting out something completely unrelated just to break the uncomfortable quiet.

Awkward silences aren’t a matter of personal failure. They’re a common part of human interaction. But that doesn’t mean we can’t handle them better.

In fact, as a psychologist, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

There are certain phrases that can gracefully navigate those silent moments and get the conversation rolling again.

Now, let’s dive into these seven phrases that could be your lifesavers in those awkward situations.

1) “Have you heard about…?”

When the conversation suddenly goes quiet, it can feel as if you’ve been dropped into an abyss of awkwardness.

Your mind races, but despite all your efforts, you can’t seem to find a suitable topic to bring up.

The phrase “Have you heard about…?” is a great way to fill that silence. It’s an open-ended question that can be used in countless ways.

You can mention an interesting news story you read, a new movie or book that’s out, or even a local event that’s coming up.

This phrase does more than just fill the silence – it also opens up avenues for the conversation to flow naturally again.

By asking if they’ve heard about something, you’re inviting them to share their thoughts and opinions, giving them the opportunity to engage with you.

But remember, the key here is to ask about something that you think will genuinely interest them.

The last thing you want is to bring up a topic that bores them or makes the silence even more awkward.

Give this phrase a try. You might be surprised at how easily the conversation picks back up.

2) “I’m really enjoying this silence”

Let’s face it, silence isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s a sign that you’re comfortable enough in each other’s company that you don’t feel the need to fill every moment with chatter.

Saying “I’m really enjoying this silence” can be a surprisingly effective way of dealing with an awkward pause.

It acknowledges the silence without making it something to be feared or avoided.

By expressing your comfort with the silence, you’re also giving them permission to feel comfortable too.

It creates an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance, which can help reduce any tension or anxiety they might be feeling.

This phrase also opens up the possibility for deeper conversation.

It can prompt them to share what they’re thinking or feeling during these silent moments, bringing you both closer together.

If you find yourself in an awkward silence, instead of panicking, consider embracing the quiet and see where it leads you.

3) “Did you know otters hold hands when they sleep?”

When faced with an awkward silence, an interesting and unusual fact can be a real conversation saver.

For instance, something as simple as “Did you know otters hold hands when they sleep?” can spark curiosity and kick start the conversation again.

This works because our brains are naturally drawn to novelty. We love learning new and surprising things.

It’s why trivia games are so popular and why we click on those “10 facts you won’t believe” articles.

The fact doesn’t have to be about otters, of course. It can be about anything that you find interesting.

The key is to choose something that’s light, fun, and likely to inspire further conversation.

Also, by presenting a fact instead of asking a question, you’re giving them something to react to rather than putting them on the spot. This can make it easier for them to jump back into the conversation.

If you’re stuck in an awkward silence, try throwing out a fun fact.

You never know where the conversation might go from there.

4) “How is your family doing?”

In the midst of an awkward silence, it’s easy to forget that we’re all human, each carrying our own stories, joys, and concerns.

A gentle prompt like “How is your family doing?” can be a soft way to reignite dialogue.

This phrase does more than revive the conversation, it demonstrates a genuine interest and concern for them and their loved ones. It’s a subtle way of saying “I care about you and what’s happening in your life.”

By asking about their family, you’re inviting them to share personal stories or updates.

This not only fills the silence but also deepens your connection with them as they open up about their life outside of the current setting.

Bear in mind, though, that this question should be used with discretion.

If you know the person has a complicated family situation or has recently gone through a loss, it might be best to steer clear of this topic.

Ultimately, this phrase is about showing kindness and understanding.

So next time you’re left in silence, consider gently asking about their family to show your empathy and reignite the conversation.

5) “Isn’t it crazy how fast time flies?”

We’ve all been there – looking at the calendar, shaking our heads in disbelief at how quickly time seems to be passing.

So, when you’re caught in an awkward silence, why not bring up something universal like, “Isn’t it crazy how fast time flies?”

This simple statement is something everyone can relate to, regardless of their background or experiences. It’s a common sentiment that can easily break the ice and get the conversation flowing again.

Whether it sparks a discussion about how busy life has become, nostalgia for simpler times, or plans and hopes for the future, this phrase offers a range of directions for the conversation to go in.

Whenever you’re at a loss for what to say during an awkward silence, try commenting on the ever-relatable concept of time. It’s a safe bet that’ll resonate with just about anyone.

6) “I’ve recently started learning to cook, it’s harder than it looks!”

An awkward silence can often be eased by sharing a little about yourself.

For instance, you could say something like: “I’ve recently started learning to cook, it’s harder than it looks!”

By sharing a personal experience or anecdote, you’re giving the other person a glimpse into your life.

This not only creates an opportunity for them to learn more about you, but it also invites them to share their own experiences and interests.

In this example, you’re opening up the conversation to a multitude of potential topics – favourite recipes, culinary disasters, cooking tips and tricks. The possibilities are endless!

Consider sharing a fun tidbit about your life. You never know what common ground you might discover.

7) “Let’s address the elephant in the room”

Sometimes, an awkward silence is more than just a lull in the conversation.

Sometimes, it’s a sign that there’s an unresolved issue or unspoken tension between you.

In these cases, the most effective way to break the silence might be to tackle it head-on with a phrase like, “Let’s address the elephant in the room.”

This phrase isn’t about making anyone uncomfortable. It’s about being honest and open, acknowledging that there’s something amiss and making a collective effort to resolve it.

Doing this can help clear the air and pave the way for open, honest communication.

It might not be the easiest route to take, but it can often be the most beneficial in the long run.

8) “Remember, silence isn’t always a bad thing”

When all is said and done, and you’ve navigated through various awkward silences, it’s essential to keep in mind that silence isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

It’s a natural part of conversation and can sometimes be a space for reflection or just a simple break from constant chatter.

The key is not to fear the silence but to see it as an opportunity – an opportunity to steer the conversation in a new direction, to deepen your connection with the other person, or even to simply enjoy the quiet moment together.

These phrases, embrace the silence, and let the conversation flow naturally. After all, true communication is about more than just words.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of conversation is not just about being a good speaker—it’s also about being an excellent listener and understanding that silence has its place in any dialogue.

This article has provided you with strategies to navigate those awkward silences, but remember, the ultimate goal is not to avoid silence altogether.

It’s about building genuine connections, fostering understanding, and growing as a communicator.

Embrace the quiet moments. Use them as an opportunity to reflect, to listen, and to guide the conversation in meaningful ways.

Continue practicing these phrases, but also be open to the natural flow of conversation. Adapt and respond to each unique interaction.

Because being a good conversationalist doesn’t mean filling every silence—it means making every conversation matter.

Here’s to more meaningful, engaging conversations!

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