Gender Differences in Communication

Men and Women have communicated differently since ages.

These differences create communication problems that
weaken productivity and interpersonal communication
within organizations.
Such differences are caused by linguistic styles used by both
genders.

What is Linguistic Style?

Linguistic style refers to a persons characteristic speaking pattern.

It includes:
Directness or indirectness
Pacing and pausing
Word choice
Use of elements such as jokes
Figures of speech
Stories
Questions and apologies

Why do Linguistic Styles Vary between

Women and Men?

Researchers believe that interpersonal differences between

women and men are due to:

Nature

Inherited Biological Differences

vs

Nurture

Females and males learn ways

of speaking

Communication Differences between Men

and Women
Men

Women

Less likely to ask for information in a

public situation that would reveal their
lack of knowledge

Ask more for information and directions

in a public situation

More like to downplay their doubts

during decision making

More likely to downplay their certainty

during decision making

Avoid apologies as sign of weakness

Apologize even when they have done

nothing

Ignore blame and place it elsewhere

Accept blame as a way of smoothing

awkward situations

Give criticism directly

Temper criticism with positive buffers

Communication Differences between Men

and Women
Men

Women

Avoid thanks altogether as a sign of

weakness

Insert unnecessary thank-yous in

conversations

Perceive questions to be a sign of

incompetence and lack of confidence

Ask what do you think? to build

consensus

Give directions clearly to avoid

manipulation and confusion

Give directions in indirect ways

Take ideas stated by women as claim

them as their own

Allow this usurpation of ideas by men

without protest

Louder voice volume to attract attention

and maintain control

Softer voice volume to encourage

persuasion and approval

Source: D M Smith, Women at Work: Leadership for Next Century

Improving Communication Between

Genders

Suggestion 1
Women and men should learn to Genderflex.
Genderflex is defined as using temporarily the
communication behaviors typical of other gender to
increase the influence.

Suggestion 2
Everyone needs to become aware of how linguistic styles
work and how they influence our perceptions and
judgments.
Remember that knowledge of linguistic styles helps to
ensure that people with valuable insights or ideas get
heard.

Conclusion

Consider the organizational strengths and limitations of

ones linguistic style and modify it accordingly.

Communication between genders

can be improved by remembering
that women and men have different
ways of saying the same thing.