According to Professor Peter F. Drucker, nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in understanding unspoken messages. Intercultural communication particularly highlights the significance of nonverbal cues in conveying information. Statistical evidence suggests that around 66% of meaning during an interaction is expressed through nonverbal signals, while only 33% is delivered verbally (Birdwhistell, 1955; Burgoon, 1994).
Nonverbal communication varies among cultures and genders, influencing their relationships. This essay delves into the disparities in nonverbal communication between genders and its effects on their relationships. Nonverbal communication is an essential and influential means of conveying messages, characterized as a sophisticated code that is universally comprehended.
Recent studies have shown that people tend to place more trust in facial expressions rather than words. Nonverbal communication encompasses various forms, including kinesics (body language), space (proxemics), facial expression, eye contact (oculesics), time (chronemics), touch (haptics), voice (paralanguage), and physical appearance. These forms can differ among individuals and cultures, as well as between genders.
In his book “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus,” author John Gray explains that men typically use communication to exchange information and solve specific problems, whereas women employ it to express emotions and establish emotional closeness. As a result, noticeable discrepancies arise between men and women in their utilization of nonverbal communication, their ability to interpret it, and their means of conveying meaning.
Therefore, when interacting with the opposite sex, understanding gender disparities in nonverbal communication becomes crucial. This article will explore the variations between men and women in each type of nonverbal communication.
Kinesics, also known as body language or the interpretation of body movements and facial expressions, is a form of non-verbal communication that reflects an individual’s emotional state. While there are variations in gestures between males and females, especially in dating situations, the most significant differences can be observed. Males tend to display simpler signals such as sitting with legs apart, frequently stroking their hair, maintaining prolonged eye contact with females, interacting more with objects around them, engaging in self-touch (although this behavior may occur more often than their usual behavior without surpassing that of females), and regularly putting their hands in pockets.
According to Edward Hall’s 1966 book “The Hidden Dimension,” women exhibit multiple body language gestures. These include pulling down shirt sleeves, playing with their hair for an extended period, accentuating thigh movements, frequently crossing and uncrossing legs, and stretching to enhance the chest. In general, women tend to occupy smaller spatial zones than men. They often engage in close proximity when approaching others and prefer side-by-side conversation over face-to-face interaction.
Hall proposed that the reason for the disparity in spatial usage between genders could be men’s inclination towards face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, individuals tend to be more conscious of their proximity to others when approached head-on rather than from a lateral angle. Facial expressions are vital in nonverbal communication and significantly contribute to it. Although there is no noticeable gender difference in the neurological mechanisms underlying emotions, men and women exhibit variations in how they convey their emotions through facial expressions, as evidenced by J.’s research conducted in 1976.
Miller’s research suggests that women use facial expressions more frequently than men to convey their emotions through non-verbal cues. In contrast, men are inclined to express their emotions through actions and behavior. Eye contact, also referred to as oculesics, is a powerful means of conveying various emotions such as interest, anger, sadness, attraction, and deception. Therefore, vision plays a crucial role in non-verbal communication. “Psychology Today” asserts that eye contact is the most impactful form of non-verbal communication.
Women have a tendency to maintain eye contact for longer periods without staring, whereas men are less prone to initiating eye contact but will sustain it if reciprocated. Additionally, women break eye contact more frequently than men. Regarding touching, heterosexual men are less inclined to engage in touch during conversations with other men because they associate it more with sexual intentions. Conversely, women feel more comfortable touching other women as a means of expressing friendship or sympathy.
Paralanguage, also known as voice, refers to the non-verbal elements of communication that have an impact on meaning and convey emotions. Paralanguage can be displayed consciously or unconsciously and includes factors such as pitch, volume, and occasionally intonation. Traditionally, women tend to have a higher pitch, softer volume, and greater inflection in their voices compared to men who typically have a lower pitch and louder volume. In general, men often speak at a higher volume than most women. These differences may stem from societal influences where girls are often taught to control their voices and behave modestly while boys are encouraged to express their thoughts.
In some cultures, such as Japan, the distinction is more pronounced. A soft tone does not imply a lack of authority for speakers in these cultures; however, it can be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Women who speak softly must learn to project their voices or risk being interrupted. Nonverbal communication also encompasses physical appearance. While beauty is subjective, research has shown that certain characteristics like bright eyes, symmetrical features, and a slender or medium build are commonly associated with physical attractiveness (Cash, 1980; Kowner, 1996).
According to Body Language Expert, women prioritize their physical appearance more than men do. It is essential for them to allocate at least 10 minutes in front of a mirror before going out. Their physical attractiveness holds great significance in interpersonal communication, particularly when encountering new individuals. Women also excel in comprehending nonverbal cues and effortlessly interpret unintentional signals like indications of dishonesty.
Although the discussion regarding nonverbal communication between men and women is ongoing, it is commonly noted that men exhibit less nuanced nonverbal cues compared to women. The cultural element plays a vital role in setting norms for nonverbal communication. As we strive for gender equality in our society, there is a growing emphasis on comprehending and embracing gender disparities as an integral aspect of our culture. However, by differentiating between inherent differences among species and those shaped by culture, we can minimize misconceptions about genders.
In a society that embraces equality, inclusivity, and diversity, we have the opportunity to value differences rather than criticize them. By exploring gender and sex disparities, we can enhance communication between males and females. Nevertheless, effective communication remains essential for developing successful relationships. Ultimately, men and women possess unique communication styles that are unlikely to change in the near future. “Vive les differences!”
References: 1- Edward Sapir (1935) 2- http://www.psychologytoday.com/ 3- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralanguage 4- http://www.ehow.com/list_6306177_gender-differences-non-verbal-communication.html 5- http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/body-language-of-men-and-women-9431.html 6-
