Transcript Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication:
Gender Differences
The Exchange of Words, Symbols, &
Behaviors
Characteristics of
Communication
5 Categories
• Body language
• Facial language
• Speech and voice
patterns
• Language content
• Behavioral patterns
Behavior Differences
Expected, encouraged, conditioned by
society to • Boys: Be direct, assertive, attention
seeking, competitive, independent
• Girls: Be members of groups, share
confidences, be viewed as cooperative
Societal rules impact the way males and
females communicate.
What They Talk About
& How They Say It
THE STEREOTYPES
Males
Females
• Cars
• Sports
• Music
• Relationships
• Clothes
• Physical Appearance
Expression is
forceful, dominating,
boastful, blunt,
authoritarian
Expression is
friendly, gentle, quick,
emotional,
enthusiastic
The Exchange of Words, Symbols, &
Behaviors
Relatively Speaking
• Men invade other people’s personal space
more often; women less often.
• Men tend to display frowning and squinting
when listening; women display smiling and
head-nodding when listening.
• Men interrupt others more and allow fewer
interruptions; women interrupt others less and
allow more interruptions.
• Men speak in a louder voice; women in a
softer voice.
• Men are more argumentative; women less so.
The Exchange of Words, Symbols, &
Behaviors
Report Talk vs. Rapport Talk
Men
Women
• Better at “public
speaking” where
they are able to
showcase their
knowledge on a
particular subject
• More comfortable in
“private”
conversations that
allow for relationship
building and rapport
Place either person in the opposite situation and you
will have men who are quiet at home and women who
will be animated if around a group of friends.
Communication is a Complex
Activity
• It can be influenced by an individual’s
body language, expressions, tone of
voice, language, and words used.
• When individuals ask for assistance,
and you are providing it, it is important
to be aware of gender differences in
communication styles.
Optimize Communication
• Probe beyond the “stereotype” of the
individual standing before you.
• Dig deeper into the request they are
making by using neutral questioning
techniques that are not biased toward,
or by, gender.
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