How do you get rid of awkward silences?

I know how you feel, I am someone who is there for a lot of awkward silences because I am shy even though I talk A LOT! If you want to make small talk and get rid of those silences, try asking your sister what your brother-in-law likes and loves to talk about. Then research those things and you might even like them. But once you know a little bit about those things, you can talk to him about them. You will be an excellent convo-starter and people will be like I want to talk to you!! Good luck and hope I helped. :)