COMMUNICATION

Communication

Communication

Men and women do communicate differently; in order to describe the differences of the communications patterns it is important to distinguish the different elements of which the communication process is made. Focusing on the oral domain? communication can be distinguished in non verbal and verbal. There are consistent differences in how the two sexes communicate using the non verbal patterns. In the verbal domain as well? males and females do communicate differently? although many elements have to be considered. Many stereotypes and biases about gender communication do not consider the influence of social? cultural and personal environment on communication skills. Moreover the impossibility to demonstrate the existence of two different styles in verbal communication is challenging the gendered point of view of the communication studies. On this basis? the body language has to be considered as the only proved difference of the gender-communication field.

Non verbal communication contains different communication standards for men and women. Considering the non-verbal patterns? also defined as body language? Eunson (2006? pp.7-14) states that men and women do use their body language differently. The two sexes use their personal space in different ways? especially when seated; men have a bigger personal sphere than women? using wider postures and keeping their legs apart while women tend to cross them. Moreover? according to Eunson (2006? pp.7-14)? women usually tend to keep arms next to their bodies? while men keep them away. The gestures used during a speech are different as well: men follow straight and sharp movements? while women's gestures tend to be more fluid. Also Wood (2005? pp.137-144) describes how the non-verbal communication has different characteristics between males and females: women are more used to physical touch? which they have received since childhood from their mothers? learning to use it as a group aggregator? as a medium to convey emotions and care. On the other hand males consider touching as a symbol of control and power on others? as well as a medium to convey orders and express sexual interest. These aspects explain that the way sexes communicate with their bodies is different for style and patterns.

We communicate with others all the time? in our homes? in our workplaces? in the groups we belong to? and in the community. No matter how well we think we understand each other? communication is hard. Just think? for example? how often we hear things like? "He doesn't get it?" or "She didn't really hear what I meant to say." "Culture" is often at the root of communication challenges. Our culture influences how we approach problems? and how we participate in groups and in communities. When we participate in groups we are often surprised at how differently people approach their work together.

Culture is a complex concept? with many different definitions. But? simply put? "culture" refers to a group or community with which we share common experiences that shape the way we understand the world. It includes groups that we are born into? such as gender? race? or national ...