A silent break in conversation ... getting past an impasse

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Ever been in a conversation and become at a loss for words? It happens to most of us from time to time. It is sometimes awkward to say the least, but when this happens over the telephone, it's like you and the other person were taking turns in the conversation like two tennis partners on the court. You say this, he says that, then you return with your remarks and so on and so forth. Have you had one of those moments when you simply had to stop and think about what to say next and created that awkward impasse? This is not the same as just not being able to think of anything else on the spot, this is more like, If I continue this line of talking I will create an argument that I refuse to get into at this time or worse. When you and another person reach a point of impasse, this means that one or both of you are at a stalemate of sorts. A point that you feel like anything you add to the conversation will be construed as argumentative. It's like that sometimes, so a silent break in a conversation will allow the other person to take their turn, to say something that will help you both get past an impasse!