Final answer:
When trying to break the silence in a conversation, avoid personal questions about someone's age, pregnancy status, religion, and parental heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Things to Avoid Saying to Break the Silence
Breaking the silence in a conversation should be done thoughtfully, avoiding personal and intrusive questions that may make the other person uncomfortable or that are inappropriate for casual conversation.
Asking about someone's age, like "How old are you?" can come off as impolite, as it can be sensitive information.
Similarly, inquiring about someone's family planning, such as "Are you pregnant?" or "Do you plan to become pregnant?", steps into private territory and can be very personal.
Delving into religious beliefs with questions like "Where do you go to church?" or "What religion do you practice?" can also be too intimate or inappropriate, depending on the context.
Additionally, questions about one's heritage such as "Where were your parents from?" may not be welcomed by everyone and could be misinterpreted as lacking sensitivity to diversity and inclusion.
To maintain a friendly and professional atmosphere, it's also important to read body language and non-verbal cues.
Observing whether a person looks you in the eye or seems distracted can give you an idea of how comfortable they are with the conversation.
Expressions such as "Really!", "No kidding!", or "Get real!" should be used judiciously as they may come across as sarcastic or disbelieving.
Prior to using any such expressions, gauge the tone and make sure it doesn't sound dismissive.
Lastly, it's worth noting that some questions are not only inappropriate but also illegal in certain contexts, such as a job interview.
For example, asking about potential pregnancy is prohibited under employment law.