Top 5 Conversation Topics for an Awkward Silence

It can happen anywhere. On a bus, in the pub, at work, with extended family or even worse, on a date. You want to keep on talking, but the conversation just goes flat. So instead of feeling like you want the ground to swallow up, why not memorize this list and then you can get over the awkwardness and on to stuff you want to talk about.

Topic 1: World Events
People love news but not everyone can keep up with every situation in the news. So why not talk about something that's been in it lately that affects people. Something like the price of a barrel of petrol? Or the elections? Might not seem like a fascinating topic on a date, but to a middle aged relative or your boss, this might be the perfect spring board for a rant that will buy you time to come up with something else that you'd rather chat about.

Topic 2: Celebrities
Beat the lull easily with this one. Depending on the company, there is almost definitely someone who will get others talking. A celebrity who died recently (like Bernie Mac or Paul Newman), or perhaps someone who is always in the news for their out of control behaviour (Britney, Linsey Lohan or Paris Hilton). Just make sure that you choose someone that the person knows about. Asking your uncool uncle for his opinion on Kate Moss might just make things more uncomfortable.

Topic 3: Ask about their Job or Family
The key to good conversation is flow. Sometimes that may not be possible. So get them talking about something that they care about. Asking questions about work should be done carefully. Its best not to ask what they get paid, to some people that might be somewhat vulgar. Ask perhaps, what they do, and that can lead to a whole other load of questions, such as their aspirations, hopes, stories about workmates etc. The key is to get them talking, so you can pick up on a few things that might lead somewhere else. If you suspect that you are having a drink with a recently divorced and unemployed man, perhaps it would be better to steer the conversation away from these topics.

Topic 4: Entertainment
A safe bet for any type of person. If your struggling with conversation, ask what their favorite movie is. If they have seen anything good lately. Hopefully you will have seen it too. Bingo. 5 minutes of quoting lines from it could follow. If you have nothing in common movie wise, perhaps music or TV shows could work. If its been five minutes since anyone laughed in the conversation, bring up the subject of your favorite Simpsons joke. This might be perfect. Hopefully they'll laugh and then maybe add in a few of their own. Before you know it your both laughing and your bus is close enough to the stop.

Topic 5: Holidays
The old hairdresser/taxi driver tip! Ask about their holidays. Even the most boring person in the world could have something interesting to say about a place that you've never been to. Ask about the locals, food, facilities or local sites. Anything that may move them onto the topic of more exciting things. Even if its a lie, tell them you are thinking about going there, and ask if they can recommend some places to eat in.

I hope those tips will prove to be of help to you anyway. Remember, the best way to get a good conversation going is to ask people non intrusive questions about themselves or about subjects they are interested in. Hopefully you'll never again have to drum your fingers on your lap with one hand, and wipe sweat from your brow with another while racking your brain for something to talk about.