Blog

DoMenAndWomenCommunDifferently

Do Men and Women Communicate Differently – 3 Telltale Examples That Say They Do

You would have heard – and maybe even read – the book by John Gray, “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus”. This is a wonderful book that amply discusses the difference in communication styles and interpreting information by men and women. There are many instances that prove this theorem. Here are the top five:

1. Body Language

  • Women while communicating tend to touch a lot, use lots of hand movement and facial expressions. While sitting or standing however, they tend to be non-invasive; crossed legs, elbows close to the body, allowing others their personal space. This is because women basically like to build and sustain relationships on an emotional level.
  • Men while communicating would not normally be too physical; neither would their facial expression be as readable. However, while sitting or standing their stance would be more unreserved. Men usually sprawl their legs, stretch, and tend to encroach other’s personal space. This is because basically, men are unconsciously looking to be in charge, lead, dominate.

2. Information Sharing

  • Women tend to say things while moving in circles; especially is there is something they do not like. They believe in dropping hints that could be picked up and interpreted right. By dropping hints instead of attacking the matter head on, women feel they are working at maintaining the relationship. However, this often totally confuses and exasperates  men who are lousy at interpreting the ‘hints’ correctly.
  • Men tend to go for the jugular. If they want to say something, negative or positive they say so in very few  words. It is very common for a man to say, “I don’t like it!” then and there. Men believe that the direct approach is the best. Women interpret this as a heartless and tactless way of communicating, which may  lead to arguments.

3. Complimenting

  • Women love to receive and give compliments and they constantly seek it. They instinctively compliment, for this is a way to connect, bond and sustain positive relationships. For women this is a way to make friends, belong and nurture relationships. This is why you will always find women asking others their opinion about things pertaining to them – work, dress, cooking, relationships, etc.
  • Men are wary of compliments. When they are asked about compliments, they tend to evaluate the subject and pass a verdict. This is why they do not actively seek compliments, for they do not want to feel scrutinized. For men, complimenting is a door to give advice, which is a way of establishing a pecking order. This often clashes with the expectation women have when they ask for compliments.

Do men and women communicate differently, you bet!  Just ask any man or woman and you’ll get a resounding YES!

 

Special Offer

Even if you have been selling for decades, you have undoubtedly been affected by the changing market. Many companies buy online now and drop-by sales calls are less welcome. So, how do you overcome objections and close more sales? Our free audio, Selling Reinvented, will give you the tools to reassert your role and turn the new sales landscape to your advantage.

Name
Email
Share

  1. William H Gutches
    William H GutchesOct 14, 2011

    Mars is the Red Planet and the God of WAR! The title of the book is: “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus!”. There is a reason why this wasn’t titled some other way around! If women are so empathical about maintaining emotional connections, then why can’t they emulate men in their communication style in order to help us fell better about ourselves (and, therefore, like them more!)? I don’t see this as a problem, but then again, I don’t see this communication style difference as a problem either!

    The real question is whether or not I am JOKING!!!

  2. Kathy Condon
    Kathy CondonOct 15, 2011

    In ALL of my trainings I talk about the emotional need to feel that you are important or significant. My belief, this is true of both men and women. While men say they do not need/want compliments, I believe they do want them. However, it is the way we say it that makes a difference. Men tends to want to be told “Thank you, I appreciate….” Women tend to like “Thank you for caring and…..” Totally agree, language etc is difference–glad we are taking the time to understand this at last.

Leave a Reply

* Copy this password:

* Type or paste password here:

3,458 Spam Comments Blocked so far by Spam Free Wordpress