Awkward Conversation - Strike the correct tone

How many times in your life have you been talking to someone and they tell you something that derails the conversation. You're having a great time debating the merits of a TV show or the latest local gossip when... BAM!!! You're smacked in the face by something you never wanted to hear, and certainly don't want to discuss. For example, mid-conversation someone tells you that they have an particularly ugly and smelly foot fungus they picked up recently. How do you reply to something like that?

I can tell you something that can change your life and make those awkward conversations go away. It's one word, three little letters. You simply say... huh. Now a word of caution. The important aspect is not the word, but the tone. If your tone is too high, it expresses more interest and begs that they continue. An offhand remark about foot fungus is suddenly a very long discussion on their medical history. On the other side of the coin, if your tone is too low, it will express offense, even disdain. They may take offense, and your awkward conversation is now an awkward relationship.

But, should you master the correct tone of the word 'huh' you will enjoy a wonderful escape from awkward discussions. You will find that you have, in one three letter word, acknowledged their comment and politely declined to continue the topic. You will find it to be one of the most useful tools in your conversation tool belt and be very grateful to this 'average' Joe.

Sincerly

An 'average' Joe