Even the most skilled conversationalists can run into uncomfortable silences. But, there’s a way to make them feel less unbearable. Asking questions and reminiscing can help people break the awkward silence. Here are some fun conversation starters that work in any situation. These include: What was your first car?
Ask about their day
When you’re conversing with someone, there will be times that you don’t know what to say. This is when having some fun conversation starters on hand is essential. These topics will keep the conversation flowing and make the person you talk to comfortable.
For example, you could ask them about the last funny video they saw. This will get the conversation going and lead to a discussion about movies or YouTube.
Preparing additional conversation topics beforehand, such as current events, local news, books, and movies, is beneficial when talking on the phone. This proactive approach ensures you’re equipped to navigate any potential awkward silences that may arise during the conversation.
Break the awkward silence by asking about their family
Often, family members can be great conversation starters. Asking about their family can reveal a lot about them, including where they were raised, what values they hold dear, and how their childhood shaped them.
The best family questions are open-ended rather than yes or no. Knowing your conversation partner’s family history can be a fun, rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Try asking what their favorite memories are of each member of the family. This question allows them to choose how much detail they want to share and will enable them to describe a specific person in their life, which can be an excellent way of building closeness.
Ask about their hobbies
Silences during a call don’t have to be uncomfortable. They can help people bond and get to know each other better. However, the key to turning an awkward silence into a positive one is knowing what to say to break it.
For example, instead of saying, “How was your day?” or “Do you know Mike?” you could ask about their hobbies. This is an easy way to break the silence, giving you a new topic to discuss.
Remember that conversations often end awkwardly because of social anxiety and shyness, so if you notice that someone’s reactions make the conversation uncomfortable for them, try to encourage them to speak more in a gentle way. Below are two more ways to break the awkward silence.
Ask about their job
This is an excellent question if you want to know more about someone. It can be more direct than asking them about their day, and it’s a way to show that you care. It can also be interesting to learn how they got into their career and how it has changed over the years.
Having a genuine interest in the conversation will encourage them to share more about their job and will help you make a deeper connection with them. However, be sure to phrase the question politely and avoid asking Yes-No questions that can quickly stall the dialogue again.
Whether trying to impress a date or want to be more comfortable around people, you must have some easy conversation starters for your next phone call. These tips will help you keep the conversation going, even if the silence gets uncomfortable!
Ask about their vacation
In some social settings, like casual conversations with friends or coworkers, asking about a person’s vacation is considered polite. It’s a fun way to get people talking and also an excellent opportunity for them to relive their experiences.
People might talk about where they want to go in the future, any booked trips they have, or a fun memory from a vacation. There’s bound to be something that you can take from it to strike up further conversation.
Maybe you’ve been to the same location or know some fun facts about the spot. Or, if you’ve never been, ask questions about the area, such as tourist places or what the weather is like this time of year there.
Conquering the awkward silence
What are some other ways to cut through the silence that can happen in a room, whether it’s one-on-one or with a group? Feel free to share more tips below!