There is no doubt that distinctions between men and women exist on different levels. They root back to human nature and physiology and can result in a dramatic difference in behavior and perception of the world. In particular, some research indicates the dissimilarity in the communication strategies of men and women. Even though every person’s communication style is not defined by their gender but is influenced by numerous factors, some differences in patterns and approaches to talk can be found in men and women.
One of the aspects where male and female behavior often differs during a conversation is body language and physical position. According to Tannen, men tend to sit at angles instead of placing themselves opposite each other. They also often face away from the person they talk to, which might create an impression of being unengaged. Besides, men use gesturing less frequently and do not usually accompany their speech with gestures. Conversely, women are more likely to sit in front of each other to see the person they talk to. For women, eye contact is often crucial to feel engaged in the conversation and heard, so they prefer to face each other to appear open to talk (Tannen). Women are more expressive and can naturally use more gestures than men. In general, understanding the difference in body language is crucial for the overall perception of a person’s communication style.
Another aspect to consider is the manner of speech of men and women and its interactivity. In this regard, males tend to speak less but more rapidly, while paying less attention to pronunciation (Sumipo 450). Besides, for men of different ages, it is natural to switch between subjects quickly and move from topic to topic, without focusing on one for long (Tannen). Men are more inclined to interrupt the person they talk to. As for women, their speech tends to be faster, more active and more clearly pronounced (Suimpo 447). Females often prefer to discuss one subject at length before switching to another (Tannen). Besides, women appear more polite and less likely to interrupt their partners in conversation. Overall, even though the speech strategies of males and females largely depend on personality traits, some tendencies can be noted for each gender.
Finally, different expectations from being involved in a conversation cause different attitudes in men and women. For instance, men often consider arguments opposite to their or their partner’s point of view. They also do not feel the need for engaged listening, which involves the listener’s explicit attention, follow-up questions, and interjections (Tannen). When discussing problems, men often tend to dismiss each other’s issues and are satisfied when they are convinced that they have nothing to be concerned about. When women talk, they are aware of other points of view, but often want to discuss and focus on their own. They feel the need to demonstrate engagement in communication and expect verbal or non-verbal encouragement to keep talking. Women expect agreement and support from their conversation partners and are satisfied when they are shown understanding. Therefore, the difference in expectations from being involved in the talk can result in different behaviors in males and females.
To sum up, it is no doubt that disparities in communication styles of men and women exist. Not only psychosocial, but also physical characteristics can cause different behaviors, reactions, and the perception of others. When talking to the person of the opposite gender, such dissimilar perspectives might cause misunderstanding and miscommunication. Therefore, one should remember to take a cross-cultural approach and show understanding instead of dividing concepts into right and wrong.
Works Cited
Sumipo, Jasmin M. “He’s a Man and She’s a Woman: A Conversation Analysis on Linguistic Gender Differences.” International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 446-450. IJELS.
Tannen, Deborah. “Sex, Lies and Conversation.” The Washington Post, 1990, Web.