What is beating awkward silences about? Breaking the ice, getting over that weirdness of just talking to someone for the first time.
Nobody likes awkward silences. The most important thing about beating awkward silences is that overcoming an awkward silence can also lead to new friendships. What better result could there be?
This is a topic that is near and dear to the hearts of my readers, researchers, and website visitors. So much so that one of them were kind enough to share their own personal opinions. I don’t claim to be the best interviewer in the world, but I do promise some good, raw, and honest answers from normal people like you and me. I do my best to NOT filter these answers, except for the bad words and hateful speech.
With that little blurb out of the way, let’s dive right into the juicy bits of (potentially) life-changing insights.
Current Topic: Beating Awkward Silences
‘R’ = Richard N. Stephenson (me!)
‘I’ = Interviewee (anonymous by request unless otherwise noted)
R: What’s so special about this topic anyway?
I: Learning to carry a conversation when it doesn’t seem possible is a big benefit to beating awkward silences. Everyone will feel more comfortable. You’ll feel good about turning an awkward moment into a friendly discussion.
R: How could this subject help you or someone you know change your life for the better?
I: You never know who you may meet that way and (more often than not), social connections can be the difference between a successful future or a boring one.
R: Tell me about your thoughts on how this helps folks be better in life?
I: Awkward silences that are beat can help them be a better person by helping steer the conversation into something more positive. Silences are often awkward because something is said that bring it to a standstill, if you beat this you will know how to overcome future ones. Finally it is an overall confidence boost!
R: In general, what type or person (or someone specifically!) typifies this subject to you?
I: My partner is great at beating awkward silences. He is a jokester, and always has something to say about everything. He has comebacks for every situation, or some funny piece of random, useless knowledge that he will spew forth to ease any awkward situation, almost always resulting in laughter and broken ice. Never a dull moment with that man in my life.
R: Tell me who in your personal experience is not up-to-speed on this subject at all.
I: I find that people who may be considered ‘nerds’ or ‘geeks’ are bad at beating awkward silences. A great example, though fictional, is Ralph Wiggum from the TV show ‘The Simpsons’. He has crush on Lisa and can’t think of anything to say, so he awkwardly asks “So, do you like… stuff?” Though fictional, I find that to be true of may people I have known. Their social discomfort can cause them to blurt out something unusual because they may not understand how to make small talk.
R: How do you bring this topic into your life?
I: I try to make people feel more at ease – people like talking abut themselves, so by asking them questions or asking for their advice, they feel more comfortable around me. Or I just throw out really random hypothetical questions that break the tension.
R: When do you think new folks should get into this topic?
I: I would think that a perfect time to beat awkward silences is when you are meeting your partners parents. I never know what to say and they are just looking at me like i should say something. I believe that a lot of people would probably feel the same way.
R: Seems like there are good times and bad times to bring this one up. When’s a really BAD time, do you think?
I: Perhaps when discussing something very serious. For instance if you’re in a hospital or police station, it might be an inappropriate time. Or when trying to comfort or console a friend.
R: Can you tell me where folks out there should plan to bring this idea into their lives?
I: When in a new position at work. I find that making a good first impression by being reasonably sociable is one of the fastest ways to get ahead. People like to feel comfortable around other people, and not having awkward silences is a very good way to achieve comfort in a group situation.
R: There’s a time and a place for everything – what’s a place to NOT dive further into this topic?
I: During a funeral would be a bad place to make noise during silence. As well as during a sad movie in the movie theater. I would also say during a car accident or important court trial.
R: In your opinion, who out there could use a little more help with this subject?
I: Westboro Baptist Church. When they arrive there is always an awkward silence followed by a hateful protest. If they were more accepting of everyone, then there would be not awkward silences. They can learn a few things.
R: What would you tell the readers to do if they wanted to get help with this topic soon?
I: Talk about the weather. Talk about sports. Talk about music/songs on the radio.
R: How would you describe the most dangerous thing about this subject?
I: That is sighing too much. That’s because after a while it gets annoying and sounds like your having an asthma attack. That is definitely the number one thing to avoid.
R: This topic is broad and the readers will need some focus. Can you help guide them along with an example of what to do next?
I: Teaching someone enthusiasm could help. They can be joyous and have fun to beat out silences. Extroverted in nature a person can do this.
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Thank you for reading this personal journey into becoming a better person and having a better future ahead of you. I hope you enjoyed this interview conversation and found golden nuggets you can immediately apply to your daily life.
If you’re interested in discovering how to use small talk to succeed at work, transform your introversion into a useful skill, and handle those annoying coworkers, then check out Just Say Something!.
Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or personal life-changing wisdom below.