Observing Verbal And Nonverbal Behaviors

Language and Gender

Men and women often exhibit very distinct verbal and nonverbal communication styles. Specifically, both masculine and feminine verbal and nonverbal communication styles include behaviors that help us define and better understand how gender is connected to communication. Language often defines men and women differently, and in turn, male and female communication and language styles help shape our awareness. It is important to understand that gendered language is often learned, and our individual cultures help shape our verbal communication mannerisms. Specifically, "because we use symbols to communicate, language shapes how we think of ourselves in addition to how we see the world around us" (Wood, 2015, p. 91). These combined factors can lead to miscommunication and misinterpretation.

Keep in mind the following (Wood & Bodey, 2011, pp. 85–86):

· Male generic language excludes women.

· Language defines men and women differently.

· Language shapes awareness.

· Language organizes perceptions of gender.

· Language evaluates gender.

· Language allows self-reflection.

· Nonverbal communication is all elements of communication other than words.

· Scholars state that the majority of meaning comes from nonverbal behaviors.

Nonverbal Communication

When it comes to nonverbal communication, the signs and signals we use to communicate are extremely important. Often, these things help shape who we are as well as our communication style. Scholars estimate that nonverbal communication accounts for almost 65 percent to 93 percent of communication meaning (Jolly, 2000). Nonverbal communication also relates to gender. "Like language, nonverbal communication is related to gender and culture in two ways: It expresses cultural meanings of gender, and men and women use nonverbal communication to present themselves as gendered people" (Wood, 2015, p. 123).

Two important things to remember are as follows (Wood & Bodey, 2011, p. 94):

· Nonverbal communication is all elements of communication other than words.

· Scholars state that the majority of meaning comes from nonverbal behaviors.

The following tables describe some nonverbal and verbal communication differences between males and females:

Nonverbal Communication Differences

Females	Males
Claim less territory.	Claim more territory and are more likely to have a room of their own (den, study, workshop, and so forth).
Stand closer to each other while talking.	Maintain a greater distance from each other while talking.
Use more eye contact.	Use less eye contact.
Use more facial expression.	Use less facial expression and reveal less emotion.
Are more likely to return a smile.	Smile less than women.
Take up less space—cross arms.	Sit with legs apart and often hold arms away from their bodies.
Use fewer gestures. Use gestures when seeking approval.	Use more gestures, especially in social situations.
Use more eye contact.	Use less eye contact.

Verbal Communication Differences

Females	Males
Speak softly.	Speak loudly.
Speak in a high-pitched voice.	Speak in a deeper-pitched voice.
Speak more quickly.	Speak more slowly.
Speak less directly.	Speak more directly (get to the point).

Both verbal communication and nonverbal communication shape our interactions with others in business and personal relationships. It is critical to understand the different aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as the role gender plays in each. Our survival as a species depends upon our ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and nonverbally.

References

Jolly, S. (2000). Understanding body language: Birdwhistell's theory of kinesics. Corporate Communications, 5(3), 133–139. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.library.capella.edu/docview/214191069?accountid=27965

Wood, J. T. (2010). Gendered lives: Communication, gender and culture (9th ed.). Beverly, MA: Wadsworth.

Wood, J. T. (2015). Gendered lives: Communication, gender and culture (11th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.

Wood, J. T., & Bodey, K. R. (2010). Gendered lives: Communication, gender and culture (9th ed.). [Instructor's Resource Manual]. Beverly, MA: Wadsworth.