An awkward silence is an uncomfortable pause in a conversation or presentation.[1] The unpleasant nature of such silences is associated with feelings of anxiety as the participants feel pressure to speak but are unsure of what to say next.[2] In conversation, average pause length varies by language, culture and context. 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. It may be preceded by an ill-considered remark or an imbalance in which one of the participants makes minimal responses.[3] Alternatively, the tension may arise from an expectation that speech is expected in the setting, such as a classroom or presentation.[4]
When Europeans communicate with Japanese people, a period of meaningful silence is sometimes misinterpreted as an awkward silence.[5] Awkward silences may occur when Japanese people are confronted with a direct question as the loss of face when making an unwelcome admission tends to make them reluctant to say phrases like "I don't know".[6]