5 Gender Differences In Communication - Verbal and Nonverbal Styles

Summary

In this video, Michael Grinder explores the nuanced differences in communication styles between men and women, a topic often considered taboo. He discusses how females can focus on both the content and the delivery process of a conversation, unlike males who tend to concentrate on the content alone. Grinder highlights the importance of understanding these differences for effective communication. He also touches on decision-making processes, where females prefer involvement, while males often focus on the final decision. Additionally, he notes the contrasting perceptions of credibility and approachability in voice and body language. The video concludes by emphasizing the need for awareness of these distinctions to foster better understanding in relationships.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Communication Styles: Females can focus on both the content and the process of communication, while males tend to concentrate on the content alone.
• 👤 Non-Verbal Cues: Females often use head nodding and sounds to show support in conversations, whereas males may avoid these to prevent being misinterpreted as agreeing.
• 🤔 Decision-Making: Females prefer to be involved in the decision-making process, not just receiving the final decision, while males often focus on the outcome.
• 👥 Sharing Ambivalence: Males may need to learn to share their thought process and ambivalent feelings to build closer connections, as females tend to do.
• 🎤 Voice and Approachability: Females' voice and body language are often more approachable, while males' more static demeanor can be perceived as credible.
• 🚹🚺 Gender Perception: If a male becomes more approachable, he might be seen as sensitive, but if a female becomes more credible, she might be labeled negatively.
• 🏡 Bringing Up Issues: In relationships, males are more likely to avoid difficult subjects and resort to stonewalling, whereas females tend to initiate these discussions.
• 🔍 Different at Home and Work: People's communication styles can differ significantly between their home and work environments.
• 📊 Statistical Differences: Sometimes, the statistical information about communication styles of males and females can be the opposite of what is commonly believed.
• 👥 Elephant in the Room: It's important for both genders to acknowledge and address the differences in communication styles openly.

Q & A

What is the taboo subject Michael Grinder is discussing in the script?

The taboo subject Michael Grinder is discussing is the difference between female and male styles of communication.

Why might some people be offended by discussing male and female styles of communication?

Some people might be offended because it touches on gender stereotypes and can be seen as controversial or insensitive.

How does Michael Grinder describe the difference in how females and males process conversation?

Michael Grinder explains that females can focus on both the content and the process of conversation, while males tend to focus on the content but not the process.

What does Michael Grinder suggest is a common non-verbal cue used by females during conversations?

Females often bob their heads and make encouraging sounds to indicate support for both the process and content of the conversation.

Why might males be hesitant to use non-verbal cues like nodding during conversations?

Males might be hesitant to nod because they fear it could be misinterpreted as agreement with the content rather than support for the conversation.

What does Michael Grinder suggest is a key difference in decision-making styles between females and males?

Females prefer to be involved in the entire decision-making process, while males tend to focus on the final decision.

How does Michael Grinder's wife expect him to communicate his decision-making process?

Michael Grinder's wife expects him to share his ambivalent feelings and thought process, rather than just presenting the final decision.

What is the difference Michael Grinder highlights between being 'credible' and 'approachable' in terms of communication styles?

Females are often seen as approachable due to their voice and head movements, while males are seen as credible with still heads and direct speech.

What challenge does Michael Grinder mention regarding the perception of females becoming more credible?

When females try to be more credible, they risk being perceived negatively, unlike males who can be seen as 'new age sensitive guys' when they become more approachable.

What does Michael Grinder say about who typically brings up difficult subjects at home?

Michael Grinder mentions that in 80% of the cases, it is the males who bring up difficult subjects at home, even in both happy and unhappy relationships.

What term does Michael Grinder use to describe a male's tendency to avoid discussing difficult subjects?

Michael Grinder uses the term 'stonewalling' to describe a male's tendency to avoid discussing difficult subjects.