An awkward silence may occur if a pause has exceeded, for instance, a length generally accepted for demarcating a subject change or the end of a turn.
[6] Awkward silences may result from a faltering conversation in which the participants have completed what they wanted to say.
To avoid such a conclusion, it has been recommended that the participants actively close the conversation by summarising what was said and thanking the others for their contributions.
In a social setting where people are meeting for the first time, the organiser of the gathering may propose an icebreaker or conversation opener such as a round of introductions.
In an online setting or virtual reality, an automated agent may be used to monitor and stimulate flagging conversation by suggesting topics.