Between stimulus and response there is a space and there is a lot of power in it. We indeed live in a fast paced society where most people lose patience very fast.

I think that for some folks rambling helps them hear their own thoughts and find a cohesive structure. But on the receiving end it can be quite tiresome.

I wonder why silence is felt as being ackward? It can be refreshing, a sort of respite from the rush of daily life. What do you think?

I have come across people who can't sit in silence with one other. They must talk. They must fill that void with something. I also had moments when I was that person who always had to say something. Now I feel how exhausting it can be to always fill the time with talk.
I think that in a workplace environment where things must be delivered fast and efficient there is room to make for silence, but this should feel good for the individual rather than constraining.