1. Gender Differences Interpersonal Communication:

2. The Exchange of Words, Symbols, & Behaviors

3. Characteristics of Communication 5 Categories Body language Facial language Speech and voice patterns Language content Behavioral patterns

4. 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.

5. What They Talk About & How They Say It Cars Sports Music Expression is forceful, dominating, boastful, blunt, authoritarian Relationships Clothes Physical Appearance Expression is friendly, gentle, quick, emotional, enthusiastic Males Females THE STEREOTYPES

6. The Exchange of Words, Symbols, & Behaviors

7. 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.

8. The Exchange of Words, Symbols, & Behaviors

9. Report Talk vs. Rapport Talk 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 Men Women 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.

10. 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.

11. 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. ###