Silence can sometimes be awkward or sometimes its not awkward. It depends on the situation. Silence would be awkward if it occurred when there was supposed to be noise. For example if you are eating with a bunch of friends or family members and then all the sudden it becomes silent then that usually is somewhat awkward. Silence would not be awkward if you would like it to be silent. For example if you are sitting in a library and it is silent because everyone is so engrossed in what they are doing. In that case the silence is good and useful, and people are able to accomplish things because of the silence. Sometimes people do just talk to fill up the air so that there won't be silent like when you meet someone new you just want to try and keep the conversation going so that there won't be any silence. People not wanting silence and just talking to fill up the air does affect our ability to be listeners. When people are listening they spend time trying to get their word in or think about what they want to say next which makes it hard for them to listen to what the other person is saying. I have experience awkward silences before like when I am eating dinner and then all the sudden everyone just stops talking and doesn't know what to do with the quietness. Silence in general can be either good or bad.
