A good facilitator absorbs awkwardness to help people connect and progress faster.
If you were to approach someone at a networking event and ask them a strange question like “what’s the weirdest thing that happened to you today?” you might get a funny look. Though, you might also get a genuine answer that helps you connect with someone.
When a line of questioning is facilitated, then you don’t get the weird look and you still get the genuine answer. Everyone directs their weird looks toward the facilitator and the participants are free to enjoy answers that open up connection.