Buzz
Both high-stress scenarios and everyday social encounters can lead to uncomfortable pauses. When at a loss for words, humor can be your best tool to lighten the mood.
According to the business blog Inc., humor is a powerful way to dissolve tension and revive conversations or presentations. If things go awry, you can even use the situation to create a lighthearted moment, much like Rob Brydon did during his BAFTA awards hosting:
There was a pause. As the next award was being prepared, Rob Brydon, the Welsh comedian and BAFTA nominee, stood silently on stage for several minutes before quipping, "This is the nervous smile of a man waiting for the auto cue to come back to life." The tension dissolved into laughter, and the event continued. A perfect example of self-deprecating humor.
While silence can sometimes be fitting and respectful (e.g., at a funeral), if your aim is to keep the atmosphere light, awkward moments are golden opportunities to bring a smile to someone's face.
Image captured by Gregory Gill.
