Break Awkward Silence

Break Awkward Silence

Daniel MacDougall

"A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Finding yourself always stuck with nothing to say? You may have plenty to share. You, of course, are a wonder and miracle wrapped into one filled with information. Here are a few quick tips to get that info out.

I.

First and foremost, the one thing everyone knows - but yet does all the time - is don't ask yes or no questions to start a conversation. If you ask a yes or no question, for example, "Do you like baseball?" If that person replies "No," it shuts down the conversation process. Instead, ask them, "What kind of hobbies are you into these days?" If you don't want to ask about work. Some people hate talking about their job but will jump on the things that interest them, and if they're into something you may know about, then ask them about it. People love to share information on the ideas and topics they're into. Ask them about their hobbies and projects.

II.

At times, we feel like we have nothing to talk about, nothing to give, and not much to share. If you find yourself in this little rut, start informing yourself about the current state of affairs. A little light reading on what's happening in the world can give plenty of conversation ammunition next time you're stuck for a subject. And if you don't feel comfortable conversing politics or the horrible nature of our planet, then try topics like food, technology, or strange studies on the Internet. There are some funny things people research.

III.

Ask yourself if there are mutual people you may both know or things in common about the location you find yourselves in. It's easy to ask about friends or a topic on your current destination. Just look around you. There can be plenty of topics from the sights and sounds surrounding you. If you have mutual friends, tell a funny story or something interesting about that person.

Last, but not least, if these first three don't work for you, ask how this person is feeling. "What do you find are your biggest stressors these days? How do you feel about getting around the city with all the road work? How do you feel about some of the changes in your job? What do you think about your friend's new business venture?" People's feelings are one of the most powerful forces. Try throwing a few thought and feeling questions out there.


Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Born Feb 27, an American poet and educator. The first American to translate Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy and one of the Fireside Poets from New England. He passed on March 24, 1882, surrounded by his family.

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Author's note: none of the writing was generated or made by AI. Out mission is provide a human touch to our journeys together. Thankyou always, Daniel Macdougall…


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