Language and Communication

Gender and Communication: How Men and Women Communicate Differently

Body Language Men Desire space Tend to be withdrawn rather than engaged bodily Do not touch, unless with same gender in playful aggression Tend to move around and shift body when conversation is uncomfortable Women Body alignment, face the other person Use more hand gestures Use more bodily contact Sat relatively still Facial Expression Men Don’t use a lot of eye contact Use more head motion Conceal and control facial displays Smile less Women Use eye to eye contact Use less head motion than men Tend to express emotion through facial expression Smile more Speech Men Use talk to assert their independence. Sitting and talking is not an essential part of friendship Hear talk of problems as a request for advice or help. Give orders as a way of gaining social status. Use more small talk. Women Use conversation to negotiate closeness and intimacy. Talking is the essence of intimacy; sitting and talking means friendship. Speaking about problems is the essence of connection. Rule by consensus; get the input of others to make a decision.  Go in-depth on a topic.