Well I don't know how to
brake an awkward silence... I know how to
break one though. Don't let it get awkward in the first place
.
Usually you say something like "So!....". Then people will either laugh and the conversation will continue on, look at you like you're an alien, or look at you like you're special ed. I believe that being able to carry on or start a conversation with someone requires a certain level of skill. I used to incredibly shy. People would say hi to me and all I would reply back with is "hi". Not, "hi, how are you?" or "it's good to see you again!" or ask them about something they said they were going to do, etc. I still am shy and sometimes have trouble keeping a conversation going with someone, but I'm a million times better than I used to be. I'll actually talk now.
Same goes with men and hand shaking. 9 out of 10 kids/teenage boys hands I shake these days, their handshake is so damn weak. Pathetic. Feels like I'm saying hi to a girl.