Gendered communication refers to a specialized area that focuses on the differences in how men and women communicate. It’s an interesting field made even more complicated by the changing definitions of gender in the 21st century.
Most research into gendered communication focuses on the roles of people of different genders in areas such as media, politics, sports, business and academia. It might include examinations of comments on the internet by people of different genders, or how genders have been represented throughout history in artwork, fiction and even public policy
Students in an online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising develop expertise in gendered communication because their professional careers revolve around communication with the public. Creating effective messages requires understanding differences in how genders communicate.
Gender Differences in Speech Content
It’s important to realize that much of what follows deals strictly with men and women. We live in a transitional era where keeping up with the changing attitudes toward sex and gender are difficult to track.
Also, research into gendered communication started only about 50 years ago, focusing initially on differences in language styles.
Men and women also differ when it comes to what they say. Men tend to a “report” style, meaning they use speech that contains facts, data and aims to solve problems. They tend to leave out personal information or anecdotes. They also tend to try to dominate a conversation.
Women use more of a “rapport” style that aims toward relationship-building. They tend to share more personal information and emphasize inclusion of all speakers.
Nonverbal Cues in Different Genders
Research into gendered communication has expanded into the area of nonverbal communication. It includes the following insights.
Facial expressions. Men use fewer of the thousands of available facial expressions than women do. That includes smiling less.
Paralanguage. This includes areas such as tone, pitch and speaking speed. Women use paralanguage to express meaning far more than men.
Physical space. Men prefer speaking face-to-face and will stand closer to women than they will to men. Women are just as comfortable speaking side-by-side (such as in a car) and are more comfortable being close to other women.
Touch. Women use touch to reassure or to build a connection, such as touching an arm to support someone who is speaking. Men use touch more as a show of dominance, including pats, back slaps and shoulder touches, according to learning tech company Valamis.
Eye contact. Women use eye contact as a way to connect with a speaker, showing they are engaged and listening. Men may avoid it altogether or listen with eyes closed as the other person speaks.
It’s also important to note that paying attention is something men do not do well as a gender. Research also has shown that men have less success than women at reading nonverbal cues and sending nonverbal cues, according to Psychology Today.
While research backs these differences, it’s important for public relations and advertising professionals to avoid using only stereotypes when it comes to men and women. Many men may use communication styles that are mostly associated with women, and vice versa. When it comes to gendered communication, the key is understanding both the general rules and the nuances of communication.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Gendered communication refers to a specialized area that focuses on the differences in how men and women communicate. It’s an interesting field made even more complicated by the changing definitions of gender in the 21st century.
Most research into gendered communication focuses on the roles of people of different genders in areas such as media, politics, sports, business and academia. It might include examinations of comments on the internet by people of different genders, or how genders have been represented throughout history in artwork, fiction and even public policy
Students in an online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising develop expertise in gendered communication because their professional careers revolve around communication with the public. Creating effective messages requires understanding differences in how genders communicate.
Gender Differences in Speech Content
It’s important to realize that much of what follows deals strictly with men and women. We live in a transitional era where keeping up with the changing attitudes toward sex and gender are difficult to track.
Also, research into gendered communication started only about 50 years ago, focusing initially on differences in language styles.
Men and women also differ when it comes to what they say. Men tend to a “report” style, meaning they use speech that contains facts, data and aims to solve problems. They tend to leave out personal information or anecdotes. They also tend to try to dominate a conversation.
Women use more of a “rapport” style that aims toward relationship-building. They tend to share more personal information and emphasize inclusion of all speakers.
Nonverbal Cues in Different Genders
Research into gendered communication has expanded into the area of nonverbal communication. It includes the following insights.
Facial expressions. Men use fewer of the thousands of available facial expressions than women do. That includes smiling less.
Paralanguage. This includes areas such as tone, pitch and speaking speed. Women use paralanguage to express meaning far more than men.
Physical space. Men prefer speaking face-to-face and will stand closer to women than they will to men. Women are just as comfortable speaking side-by-side (such as in a car) and are more comfortable being close to other women.
Touch. Women use touch to reassure or to build a connection, such as touching an arm to support someone who is speaking. Men use touch more as a show of dominance, including pats, back slaps and shoulder touches, according to learning tech company Valamis.
Eye contact. Women use eye contact as a way to connect with a speaker, showing they are engaged and listening. Men may avoid it altogether or listen with eyes closed as the other person speaks.
It’s also important to note that paying attention is something men do not do well as a gender. Research also has shown that men have less success than women at reading nonverbal cues and sending nonverbal cues, according to Psychology Today.
While research backs these differences, it’s important for public relations and advertising professionals to avoid using only stereotypes when it comes to men and women. Many men may use communication styles that are mostly associated with women, and vice versa. When it comes to gendered communication, the key is understanding both the general rules and the nuances of communication.